Avon Valley Community Matters (AVCM) transforms empty shop windows in Fordingbridge in bid to “revive” town centre.

EMPTY shop windows in Fordingbridge have been transformed by a charity and local residents in an effort to revive the town centre.

Avon Valley Community Matters (AVCM), along with members of the community, has spent time installing screens in businesses premises that are now closed.

The charity’s Empty Windows Project has been supported by estate agents, landlords, businesses, schools, and artists.

Among those helping were Caxton Decor, which donated wood for the screens, and Avon Valley Shed which put the frames together.

Local children and volunteers then put their creative talents to good use to create the collages. There was involvement from 1st Fordingbridge Scout Group; Fordingbridge Youth Group; Stepping Stones Preschool; 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 and members of Sew Friendly.

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.”

Local artists who would like to display their work or help design the panels, or can offer sewing skiIls to help bring them to life, can email Andy at avcommunitymatters@gmail.com with the heading Shop Windows.