WITH the general election looming, UKIP has opened a party shop in the centre of Cirencester.

The new shop in Brewery Court, which opened three days ago, is where the party will fight their campaign for the general and local elections on May 7.

There is no firm date set for the official opening of the shop, but they are hoping to get a “big name” from UKIP to open it.

Chris Harlow is hoping to take office from Conservative Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, who has been an MP since 1992.

Mr Harlow, who was a member of the Conservative party before joining UKIP, said that his is the only party that can beat the Conservatives in the Cotswold constituency.

He said: “There is a big majority to overturn but I’m convinced it is possible, though it may be too soon to say I’ve reserved my space on the green benches.”

UKIP have been hitting the campaign trail hard, holding 12 public meetings in the last month, with plans to hold five more.  

They aim to have a public meeting within ten miles of every person in the constituency.

Mr Harlow said: “So far it’s been thoroughly enjoyable and we’ve had a positive response from everyone.

“I met a 78-year-old nurse at a meeting and she told me she had never voted but that she was going to vote for UKIP this time.”   

The party says that it will be contesting more than ten seats in the district elections.