A COMMUNITY paint scheme in Fenland is offering to donate £1,000 worth of paint to community groups free of charge each month, as part of its expansion plans.

Cambridgeshire Community Repaint has also extended its membership base - membership of the scheme is now open to everyone, instead of just those on low incomes.

Operations manager Marcus Pheasant said: “We have also revamped and enlarged our paint sales area, with three times as much paint to choose from and we offer the sale of low cost paint brushes and rollers.”

The scheme, based in Thorby Avenue in March, also offers a mixing and colour matching service, and a paint finder and reserve service.

Mr Pheasant added: “We take in around 1,000 litres of paint a week, donated from public and trade services, and the shelves are groaning. Every month up to 240 litres of paint will be donated to nominated local community and sports groups to improve their facilities.

“We are already the flagship of Community RePaint nationally, and we want to be the best we can be. We have a great team of dedicated volunteers and staff.”

Cambridgeshire Community RePaint is part of a network of more than 60 organisations across the UK that collect unwanted surplus paint and re-distribute it to individuals, families and communities.

Fenland District Councillor Virginia Bucknor is a great supporter of the RePaint scheme, and said: “The scheme is a simple, local solution to the problem of waste paint, removing what is reusable and bringing colour to the lives of those who need it the most. After all, paint is better on walls than down the drain or in landfill.”

Membership costs £6 a year, and £3 for those on a low income. The membership form can be downloaded from the website, or call 0845 6027144 for more information. The store is open from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 3pm.