THE Green Shop in Bisley and Nailsworth’s lovingly restored historic fountain were among five schemes honoured in the annual Campaign to Protect Rural England Gloucestershire awards.

Viscount Bledisloe presented certificates and plaques to the individuals involved in the projects at the Tithe Barn in Brockworth on Wednesday.

Awarded for promoting a unique example of sustainable building methods in the county, The Green Shop is one of the UK’s leading retailers of low carbon products, including items for the home and garden and energy and recycling gadgets.

Completed in 2007, the company’s head office in Cheltenham Road, Bisley, benefits from a wealth of eco-friendly features, such as solar panels, rain water collection tanks for flushing toilets and high levels of insulation.

Company founder Roger Budgeon said he was thrilled the CPRE had recognised the work there.

"They are usually very traditional and conservative but this year they have clearly chosen to honour progressive and innovative projects," he said.

Also given awards were Nailsworth town councillor Norman Kay, Stroud District Council’s buildings programme manager Brian McGough and William Beeston of William’s Kitchen for their work in restoring the town’s fountain monument.

The 19th Century drinking fountain was transformed to its former glory last year thanks to a joint project involving Nailsworth Town Council, SDC and the Gloucestershire Environmental Trust.

Former Nailsworth mayor Mr Kay, who also collected the award for Mr Beeston, who is currently out of the country, said: "I became involved with the project five years ago but there are other people who have worked on this for 12 or 13 years so it was lovely to be recognised and really appreciated."

The other three projects awarded were Saintbridge Wildlife Nature Reserve, visitor improvements at Symonds Yat and the recreation of the canal basin and wharfhouse at Over. The annual CPRE awards recognise projects which have made outstanding contributions to communities and the environment.

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