The Naked Grocer in Walton this month became the first recipient of a grant set up by Elmbridge Council to help the local economy.
The store in Bridge Street will be able to use the money from the Elmbridge Civic Improvement Fund (ECIF) to attract more people to the business.
Chris Bavin, owner of the shop, said: “It is great that the ECIF has been set up to create a better shopping environment in Elmbridge.
"We believe smaller independent shops give a better and more village like feel to Walton town but they must be supported, otherwise you will only have the supermarkets and empty shops for choice.”
Council chief executive Robert Moran said the fund had been set up to help businesses in the borough during the recession.
He said: “I am delighted we have been able to support Chris with his new enterprise. He has shown his commitment to Walton and his shop adds variety to the town.
"The key now is for all of us to support him by shopping locally because ‘The Naked Grocer’ is exactly the sort of business we need in Elmbridge.”
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