Farmborough Community Shop has begun life in the village after its dramatic delivery last week. A 95-tonne crane lifted two portakabin buildings into place last Thursday, which will be used as the new shop for villagers and locals passing through.

The buildings were constructed before Christmas in York, with local builder, Joe Hitchins, completing the groundworks. The shop will now be internally fitted and is hoped will open at the end of April/beginning of May, becoming a new hub for the community. The shop will be managed by a paid member of staff and run by local volunteers. It will stock household essentials, occasional treats and local alternatives.

A Farmers’ Market will be held on 25th February in Farmborough Memorial Hall from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., showcasing local produce that could be stocked in the new shop in future and asking for feedback. An online survey can also be completed at: www.farmboroughshop.co.uk under ‘News and Events’.

Farmborough Community Shop Management Committee Chair, Mark Swabey, said: “The eagle has landed! Six years in the making; a dream come true. It’s great to see it actually happen.”

£163,000 has been raised though grants, donations, events and community fundraising to allow the shop project to go ahead. The building is being clad this week, so will no longer look like these photographs!