A SOCIAL enterprise will launch to help residents raise money for their preferred town improvements.

Those involved hope a new gift store, which opens tomorrow, will act as a blueprint for other Cumbrian parishes and help ‘self fund’ projects in the wake of Government cuts.

Leader of Kirkby Lonsdale retail outlet, Love the Lune, Claire Benson, said the shop was part of an attempt to generate money, attract more visitors and promote a local brand identity.

“Profits from our shop, which acts as our business base, will go back into the community. We hope the money will help maintain quality of life in the area and pay for nine different issues local people have raised as priorities.”

Projects include better broadband access, more employment opportunities and less dependency on the National Grid.

The shop has been stocked with regional produce from Cumbria Chamber of Commerce’s Made In Cumbria suppliers and it is hoped volunteers will come forward to help man the store.

South Lakeland District Council has given the business an 18-month lease and a £15,000 grant by Cumbria Fells and Dales has allowed it to set up a website.

Kirkby Lonsdale Town Council chairman Allan Muirhead said the enterprise was a chance for people to inject life into the town.

He said: “It’s ironic that times are hard, but that has given us the opportunity to do something for the first time.”

South Lakeland District Council economy and environment boss Coun Graham Vincent said: “This could be a model that other parishes adopt to ensure they get the projects they want in their area.”