Vacant Fordingbridge shop windows given Christmas makeover
It's aiming to boost footfall on the town's High Street over Christmas
Vacant shops in Fordingbridge have been getting a Christmas makeover to brighten up the town centre thanks to a community outreach charity.
Avon Valley Community Matters (AVCM), along with many other people from the community, has been reviving the town centre by decorating empty shop windows.
It's all aimed at increasing footfall and improving the High Street's appearance during the festive season.
The displays feature artwork from local school child and youth groups.
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.”
The wood on which the artwork is displayed was donated by Caxton Décor, while the Avon Valley Shed team put the frames together. AVCM's charity shop donated extra materials for the displays.
The Empty Windows Project has been supported by numerous local organisations, including:
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; Forres Sandle Manor; the ladies of Sew Friendly for the collages; The Mayor, Fordingbridge Town Council; Goadsby Estate Agents and landlord for their support as well as AVCM volunteer Claire Godson for coordinating the project.