A giant vending machine has been installed in the pub car park of a Derbyshire village that has been without a local store for 13 years.
The fully automated ‘SpeedyShop’ in Clifton stocks more than 60 products including milk, washing powder, stamps, toilet roll and even eggs.
Payment for products can be made with cash or card and the machine has a number of security features including cameras and alarms.
It was designed by designer and electrical engineer Peter Fox.
“I used to live in a small village myself, and often came home late from work to find we’d run out of something,” he said.
“The idea of an automated shop gradually grew in my mind and I came to a point in my career where it was now or never, so I decided to go for it.”
Fox added that more machines were planned in Derbyshire over the next year. He also plans to stock the machines with local produce to support local businesses.
“As a small business we are fully occupied with interest from our local area here in Derbyshire, but there is no reason why this idea wouldn’t work all over the country.
“If a large company came in with us we could expand the idea all over the UK, not just for villages but for out-of-hours shopping in towns and cities too,” Fox said.
The machine has been welcomed by local residents.
Lorraine Garside (pictured), said: “I don’t drive so this is just amazing. It’s been really busy so far and everyone loves the idea. There’s even Jaffa Cakes in the machine. I’ll have to be careful not to buy them all!”
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