A NEW Isle of Wight farm shop is at risk of closing, it has announced.

Nicola Briggs and Kay Scott only opened Fanny's Farm Shop on July 1 in Norton Green, offering produce sourced from various Island-based suppliers.

However it requires significant work to meet building regulations, which threatens the future of the business, prompting an appeal from the owners.

The project has been entirely self-funded with many obstacles along the way, including a builder leaving mid-construction despite receiving full payment, with the owners delighted that they had managed to reach a point where the shop could be opened.

However, there are significant works that are still required to meet new building regulations, which threatens the future of Fanny's Farm Shop, so Nicola and Kay have started a GoFundMe.

Nicola said: "Unfortunately, due to these issues, we have run out of funds to carry out the necessary work and are now asking for your support to ensure our dream can survive and flourish.

"If Fanny's can survive this latest setback, we plan to continue growing by increasing the amount of other local businesses we can stock in the shop and expanding the soft fruit grown on-site.

"In addition, we would like to create a care farm, offering vulnerable adults the chance to engage in horticulture, animal keeping and gardening to improve their mental wellbeing.

"Initially the funds raised from this crowdfunding will ensure the survival of Fanny's Farm Shop.

"The closure of Fanny’s is a genuine possibility without your generosity. Please give whatever you can to save Fanny’s Farm Shop. Thank you."

The work that needs carrying out is:

  • Improvement works on accessibility for wheelchair users.
  • Interior fireproofing works.
  • Installation of toilet facilities.
  • Establishing a power connection, either through solar panels or the grid.

Find out more about Fanny's Farm Shop and find its GoFundMe on its Facebook page HERE.