EAST MORTON villagers will have just three months to buy a stake in the planned community shop.

Shares will go on sale next month with money helping fund the conversion of the former public toilets into a community shop.

The volunteer team behind the initiative will also spend the proceeds on buying shop fittings and the initial stock for the shop in Main Road.

The hope is that further cash will come from grants and government funding to ensure the ambitious project is a success.

The sale of shares will be launched on October 2 between 11am and 3pm at the nearby at the East Morton Institute.

Each share will cost £10 and anyone over the age of 16 can purchase one or more of them.

Work on this initiative is being undertaken by volunteers, with a steering group led by Richard Tassell and Lee Senior.

Richard said that consultations with residents and visitors had demonstrated lots of local support for the “exciting” venture.

He said that negotiations to lease the building from Bradford Council were almost complete, and outline planning permission had been given for the conversion.

He said: "We need to raise money to convert the building and to purchase the shop fittings and initial stock.

“If we can raise 50 per cent of the estimated costs, we are hopeful that the remainder will come through various grants and government funding.

“The Community Shares are a vital next step in our financial planning. We need to sell a significant number of shares if the Community Shop is to go ahead.”

The shares will be available for a limited period ending on December 31.

Mr Senior said the steering group carried out extensive research into community shops, which were growing in popularity and success.

“It's not just about a retail outlet. We want to create a community hub which is easily accessible and offers a friendly welcome as well as a range of fresh, local produce and everyday groceries.

“We are also investigating if some Post Office services can be included. We've listened to what residents want and we aim to respond to local needs. “

“As a not-for-profit organisation we will be dependant on volunteers to run it. The more volunteers coming forward, the longer the hours our shop can be open for business.”

E-mail eastmortonshop@outlook.com for further information or visit the group’s Facebook page.