Villagers are being urged to make donations to help secure the long-term future of a village convenience store.

Residents in Gosfield are being asked to pledge their support to the community-run village shop by making a financial contribution towards the scheme.

The shop is based in a temporary structure off Church Road and it is hoped money can be raised to design and then build a more permanent home.

Any donations made to the Gosfield Foundation Community Interest Company, which runs the shop, will be put together to help fund the cost of building a new shop.

In a message to residents in the village magazine, a spokesman said: “The foundation has established a fighting fund.

“The fighting fund is the driver to raise money.

“Every household and customer will receive a fighting fund pledge letter to pledge financial support to raise the money to re-provide the shop.

“If we are able to receive a grant recommendation from Braintree councillors, the foundation, with your support and the fighting fund, will have three years to design and build a new village shop.”

As well as its fundraising mission, the Gosfield Foundation Community Interest Company is also seeking temporary planning permission to keep the shop in its current location.

If Braintree Council gives its approval, this would give the company three years in which to relocate and build a new shop.

To make a donation to the scheme, contact the shop on 01787 827377.