A FRESH share offer from a Fordingbridge eco-shopping project has raised more than £5,000.

Staffed by volunteers, The Green Gram recently revealed it is set to move into a larger premises in the former Harrison’s building, at 23 High Street.

And to help fund the move to the more-accessible and larger premises, the group announced it was issuing a second round of shares for the public to purchase – starting at £10.

Now, after just a few weeks, it has already raised nearly £6,000.

Committee member, Jo Anderson, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have had such interest and support from the local community.

“We have also had donations from Councillors David Millar and Phil Woods and we’re well on the way to raising the figure we need to make the move to the new shop.

“The share offer is still open for a few more weeks and we would love it for more people to get involved with this fundraising project – and our future plans.

“With the environment as our key focus and the interest shown so far, we know we can place sustainability at the heart of the community – and the High Street.”

READ MORE: Community-owned Fordingbridge eco store reveals move plan

Since May 2022, The Green Gram has been offering refills of foods, cleaning products and toiletries to shoppers. The group says customers have now prevented more than 23,749 containers – the equivalent of 548kg of plastic – being thrown out, by refilling the containers they already own.

A proportion of profits from The Green Gram will be used to support local environmental and social projects through grants, which members can vote for at the Annual Members’ Meeting.

The share offer is now open on the website – www.thegreengram.org – or there are forms available at the existing shop, in Roman Quay. It closes at midnight on September 17.

Anyone aged 16 or over can buy shares and the offer is open to new and existing shareholders. Applications must be completed by individuals as shares cannot be held in joint names.