Horners take over village store after close threat

A community-minded couple has come to the rescue of customers by taking over the popular Roebuck Village Store which was on the verge of closure last month.

The business’ future hung in the balance after previous owners said they would no longer operate the store.

Broome couple Glenn and Mel Horner said they bought the business last month as, like other residents, they could not bear to see the store close down for good.

Mrs Horner said the couple’s decision was emotionally driven because they could not allow the convenience store to cease.

Over the years, the business has provided an integral service to the residents of Roebuck Estate and the wider community, providing about 300 lunches to Roebuck Primary School students each week.

After negotiating with the owners, the couple took over the store on July 16.

Manager Deb Wells said she and the team were delighted by the announcement and said the store was always been popular with locals.

Mrs Horner said an open day would be organised next month to celebrate the outcome and thank the public for ongoing support.

She said the store would look at offering more lunch options for people on the go, including rice-and-curries