DIRECTORS of a community project in Malmesbury which champions sustainability have decided to close their shop to pursue a different direction.

Shoppers popped into Renew Malmesbury's high street shop for the last time on Wednesday, January 17.

The organisation was founded by Margaret Lamb three years ago who was inspired to set up a community interest company after watching a film called 2040. 

The documentary follows filmmaker Damon Gameau who travels the world in search of new approaches and solutions to climate change and Ms Lamb wanted to replicate this concept in Malmesbury. 

A big part of Renew was its retail premises which first opened during Malmesbury's annual late night Christmas shopping event in December 2021.

The high street shop sold various products made from recycled materials such as earrings, gifts and cards and also provided printing services and hot-desking.

In addition, it became a prominent meeting space for community groups and hosted an array of events which discussed sustainable lifestyle choices.

However, Ms Lamb - alongside fellow directors Laura Forster and Campbell Ritchie - recently decided that it was time to close the retail premises so that they could focus more on the organisation's advocacy work. 

David and Karen Drake, from Caerbladon art gallery, are due to take over the high street unit in March. 

Commenting on the closure, Ms Forster said: "Renew Malmesbury has decided to close its high street shop to focus on its advocacy work around a greener and more sustainable future for the town and surrounding area. 

"Since we opened, a number of businesses in the town are now selling sustainable options for all sorts of products such as locally made cards and prints.

"The imperative to maintain a shop is much less. 

"Fellow community interest company Caerbladon has negotiated a new lease on 24 High Street starting from March this year, and will continue to work in partnership with Renew Malmesbury. 

"We are delighted that the premises will not lie empty and that a community interest company that shares our mission and values will be able to develop new retail and community activities in the space.

"We will continue to host events and workshops in the future, at a variety of venues in the town."