A NEW shop was paid a visit by a pair of special guests to celebrate its grand opening to the public.

Braintree Council chairman Sue Wilson and Colnes ward councillor Gabrielle Spray visited the new Ecolnes Refillery Store in Earls Colne for its opening event last Friday.

The store, which opened last weekend, is a zero-waste refill shop that offers a range of consciously created and packaged products, encouraging shoppers to refill, reuse and reduce single-use plastic.

The name ‘Ecolnes Refillery’ was inspired by the Eco Colnes Facebook community group, which both owners Cherry McKean and Rachel Sprunt are members of.

The group has more than 1,200 members and is a place where residents can share ideas and tips on what they can do to help reduce waste, tackle climate change, and save the planet.

The shop has been in the works for about a year, as Cherry said that the pair “wanted to bring a zero-waste shop as a closer option for those in and around the village”.

She also added that both of them are “very excited to share their dream of bringing something like this into the village.”

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On the visit, council chairman Sue Wilson said: “It was an absolute pleasure to be invited to the opening of the new refill store and see new small, local businesses coming into our district.

“I’d encourage everyone to pay them a visit and support and shop local.”

Ward Councillor for the Colnes Gabrielle Spray added: “It is great to see this new store opening up in Earls Colne, giving residents an opportunity to shop in a more sustainable and planet friendly way, which has fantastic benefits for the local environment.

“I wish Cherry and Rachel all the best in their new business venture.”

Ecolnes Refillery is open Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm and on Saturdays from 9.30am to 3pm.

The shop can be found at 75 High Street, Earls Colne.

Local businesses or community groups who are interested in a visit from the Chairman can apply via the Council’s website at braintree.gov.uk/invitethechairman.