A RICHMOND greengrocer has moved into new premises to cope with growing demand.

Dave and Loo Morton started Neeps and Tatties six years ago and have now expanded into the former Gilsan sports shop premises at 5 Market Place, Richmond.

The local couple have enjoyed a steady growth in demand in both the shop and in the number of people ordering fruit and veg boxes for delivery to their homes and businesses.

Business grew to the point where they needed more display space and more room to prepare and pack the boxes for delivery. Currently they have three delivery routes each week in Swaledale, Wensleydale and Richmond and the surrounding areas, and are looking to establish a further round in Teesdale.

The larger premises have also allowed them to increase their range of goods. In addition to a broad selection of fresh fruit and vegetables they now stock cheese from Swaledale, Teesdale and Wensleydale, bread from Richmond Station’s Angel’s Share, along with freshly squeezed orange juice, fresh olives and more. Plans for the future include a wet fish counter.

Mr Morton drives to Leeds four times a week to purchase fruit and veg from the wholesale markets. The couple are keen environmentalists keeping plastic packaging to a minimum with the majority of their stock displayed loose. This has the added benefit of allowing customers to purchase the quantity they need.

Neeps and Tatties’s new shop was formerly owned by Gilsan Sports, who moved to Melsonby last year in order to increase their on-site warehouse facilities.

McLuckie Projects purchased the premises earlier this year and are currently in the process of renovating the two flats upstairs, which will soon be available for rent. Dennis McLuckie said: "We are pleased to support a young couple developing their business and wish them well for the future."

Loo Morton said: "We are all so excited to take on a larger shop and expand our range and capabilities. The shop is in such a fabulous position in the town and we would like to thank McCluckie Projects for the opportunity and all the help and advice they have provided during the move."