A NEW community initiative is being tried out at the Savernake Street Social Hall with the start of a Freeshop.

Initiated by two local residents, Jon Timbrell and Rachel Rance, who set up a Freeshop in Bath, it will enable people to give, receive or exchange items without any money changing hands.

The idea is that, while no money changes hands, goods can be donated and acquired in the name of reusing, reducing and recycling and in the spirit of community.

The shop, which will be at the centre on the first Monday of every month, will offer people a range of goods from toys to books, DVDs to clothes.

Jon said: “When we were living in Bath we did a similar thing that is still going and we thought it would be a good addition to the centre.

“It is not a charity but it is an initiative to build the community and providing items to meet other peoples needs.

“People can bring in anything they want to get rid of, we are willing to take anything, and you don’t have to donate something to take something away.

“We say the largest items we take is up to the rough size of a dining room chair and all donations must be in good condition.

“We are really excited about this and hope it will bring the community together.”

Caroline Davies-Khan member of the Eastcott Community Organisation who are working to take over the running of the halls, said: “It is community projects like this that we are looking for to bring into the centre and really improve the community as a whole.”

The first Freeshop will take place on Saturday, May 4, from 11am to 2pm.