POP-up crafters will be back in Wellington town centre on Monday (February 27) for the next four weeks for the first time in nearly 18 months.

The town council’s Pop Up Shop, in Fore Street, will host more than 50 local crafters, helping to boost the Wellington economy and financially strengthen many of the micro-businesses in the area.

The consortium is headed by business partners Alice Burns, of Clayhidon, who runs Four Little Princes, and Deanna Cranmer, of Deanna’s Personalised Creations, in Sampford Peverell.

They have booked the Pop Up Shop until March 25, which takes in Mothering Sunday and lasts until a fortnight before Easter.

The shelves will be filled with handmade items by many of the small businesses which have taken part previously as well as lots which will be trying it for the first time.

Mrs Burns said: “It is really exciting to be back in Wellington after such a long time and we know from social media how much local people are looking forward to us opening again.

“There are so many wonderful items which will be available from the many talented and creative crafters who are sharing the opportunity with us.

“Being in the Pop Up Shop not only helps the crafters, it helps the wider town because we know large numbers of customers travel from outside the area to shop here when we are open.

“The town council deserves lots of praise for coming up with the idea of the shop because none of the handmade crafters who are going to be represented would be able to afford their own ‘high street’ premises from which to trade.

“It allows a shop window for smaller businesses who cannot afford to pay full market rents.”

Many of the marketing concepts trialled on previous occasions will be back, such as ‘shop from your sofa’, and the venture will this time also be offering a selection of pre-loved toys and books.

‘Quiet hours’ for those with accessibility issues can also be arranged.