The SHARE shop in the town centre still remains closed as the group continues its hunt for a suitable premises.
SHARE Frome is a social initiative originally established by Edventure in association with Frome Town Council, Sustainable Frome and The Cheese and Grain.
The service has over 800 items for residents to borrow including arts and crafts, DIY and decorating, tools, household items, leisure and camping equipment, kitchen items and games, and more.
As an independent charity, the share shop was located on The Bridge, where it had been operating for nine years. The premises, which was owned by Lloyds Banking Group, closed last summer when Halifax shut.
The general service then closed to the public as the team began hunting for a more suitable site.
However, the services’ shop front is still prominent on The Bridge with the signage still visible.
Trustee Anne Hills says the group is still looking for a ‘suitable home’ and that until they find a location they can use longer term, the service will remain in ‘hibernation’.
To help bring the service back, Frome Town Council committed to supporting the group in finding a new premises last September. It followed complaints from a resident at a town council meeting, who expressed concern about the continued closure of the service and its impact on local families.
The SHARE shop idea was the first of its kind and was launched in early 2015. The motivation was to reduce the town’s carbon footprint by promoting borrowing instead of buying, thereby cutting material production and landfill waste. This, in turn, would save members money and space in their homes, as well as provide a community space for people to donate, volunteer, connect and build skills.
Frome Times asked Frome Town Council whether it has supported the group in finding premises, and a spokesperson confirmed the work is ongoing. Frome Times also asked SHARE why various premises have not been suitable and what is happening with the shopfront, but is still waiting for a response.
