A CHARITY has been brightening up empty shop windows in Fordingbridge town centre, thanks to the support of the wider community.

The work, which had the backing of the town council, was part of a drive to visually improve the look of the town centre in the hopes of driving further footfall.

The project saw empty show windows filled initially with images relating to the town before they were replaced with a Christmas display created by school children.

The long-term aim is to fill all the empty shop windows with vibrant artworks to make the town centre more appealing for visitors and shoppers.

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Avon Valley Community Matters (AVCM) led the project, with community groups, schools, businesses and artists all chipping in to make it a reality.

AVCM’s Andy Wilson said: “Initially, the screens featured panels showcasing scenes related to Fordingbridge and the New Forest.

“Currently, they display festive Christmas artwork created by local school children and youth groups.

“The long-term goal of the project is to replace all empty shop windows with vibrant collages, artwork, and other creative displays, transforming the town centre into a more inviting and visually appealing space.”

Other groups who supported the project include:

• Caxton Decor for donating the wood
• The Avon Valley Shed team who put the frames together
• Avon Valley Community Matters charity shop for gifting the material
• The creative talents of the children, staff and volunteers of 1st Fordingbridge Scout Group, Salvation Army Fordingbridge Youth Group, Stepping Stones Preschool Fordingbridge, Forest Edge Learning Federation (Breamore Church of England Primary School, Hyde Church of England Primary School, Hale Primary School), Fordingbridge Junior School and Forres Sandle Manor
• The ladies of Sew Friendly for the collages
• The Mayor
• Fordingbridge Town Council
• Goadsby Estate Agents and landlord for their support
• And AVCM volunteer Claire Godson for coordinating the project.

Artists around Fordingbridge who want to display their work, help design panels, or can offer sewing skills to help bring them to life are asked to contact Mr Wilson at avcommunitymatters@gmail.com with the heading ‘Shop Windows’.

AVCM raises funds through fundraising as well as running a charity shop on Fordingbridge High Street to support its work in the community.

The charity funds bereavement support, a miscarriage support group, a friendship group for the lonely and vulnerable, as well as free holiday activity programmes for families.

The AVCM team also runs an inclusive playgroup, Superstars, each Friday morning from 9.30-11.30am at St Mary’s Church Hall in Fordingbridge.