VILLAGERS in Amberley are being invited to buy £10 "shares" in their new shop.

Those behind the community store project need to raise £60,000 to complete the Amberley Shop on the Common, which will be owned and staffed by the community.

Work has already started on the store, which is set to be located in the foyer of Amberley's Holy Trinity Church.

Having recently secured Stroud District Council planning consent and approval from the Diocese of Gloucester, the shop team are now launching the share offer to raise £60,000. These funds, added to the £70,000 already raised, will go towards the goal of opening the shop in 2021.

The foyer of Holy Trinity Church will be re-worked to house the shop, plus a cafe and post office.

Neil Truphet, Amberley Shop on the Common chairman said: “The Stroud area has many community shops including the very highly regarded shops in Uley and Chalford.

"Covid-19 has made us value the importance of our neighbours and community more than ever.

"The shop and café will not just reduce car journeys to supermarkets but will be a hub where neighbours can see each other regularly and help each other out.

“We have been blown away by the huge groundswell of support for this shop and we have to thank both the church and the hundreds of supporters for their patience as we move towards opening day."

Shares are on sale until January 31 and cost £10 each.

Amberley Shop on the Common is a Community Benefit Society which means it will always be owned and supported by the local community.

As well as becoming a part of this important community initiative, each member gets voting rights at the Annual General Meeting.

Through fundraising and grants the shop has already secured over £70,000 including £40,000 from the Amberley Methodists Church Council and £25,000 from the David Thomas Charitable Trust.

Interested individuals can read more about the shop and the share offer at: amberleyshoponthecommon.co.uk