A group of environmentalists are finally seeing their dream for a town centre project being realised.

They have found a shop in Colchester and started transforming it into En-form - Colchester Environmental Information Centre.

It is planned that the venue in Church Walk will be open in the spring next year.

The group has been working towards setting up such a centre for more that five years - they initially emerged as an offshoot of Colchester Green Forum.

Their aim is that En-form will be a one-stop shop for anyone wanting information on environmental issues and projects in Colchester and across the county, UK and the world.

This will include allotments, recycling, cycling, wildlife and nature conservation, traffic and transport.

Committee member Pat Green says En-Form already has charity status and will be the only one in north Essex.

She said: "The aim is to raise awareness on environmental issues and encourage people to safeguard and improve their environment."

Mrs Green, who was involved with the Essex Wildlife Trust for 23 years, said: "We hope everyone uses it and it will be successful, especially now the environment is so high on the agenda."

Colchester Council has given En-Form £4,600 towards 12 months rent and will financially support the plan for a cycle parking centre in the garage next to the shop.

John Buchanan, council environmental environmental initiatives officer, said: "We fully support the project as an environmental centre for the borough. It is really part of the council's overall commitment to the environment."

Mr Buchanan is on the committee, along with borough councillor Bob Newman.

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