A FARM shop has begun preparations to open on Winchester High Street.

Westlands Farm Shop has started work in the unit near the bus station where Patisserie Valerie once traded, putting up signs announcing its imminent opening.

One sign said: "Coming soon! We've just mooooved in..."

As previously reported, Westlands Farm Shop has submitted a planning application to Winchester City Council to carry out work to turn Patisserie Valerie, in the High Street, into a farm shop.

READ MORE: Westlands Farm Shop owner discusses plans for Winchester

One of the signs in the shop window (Image: Sebastian Haw) The family-run farm business already has a shop in Wickham which includes a butchery.

The application details both internal and external work that owner Graham Collett is hoping to get approval for before the shop can open. This includes the removal of several walls and the installation of new flooring, as well as changing the signage of the shop and adding a new awning and window vinyls.

Graham said: “Our decision to expand into Winchester is driven by the overwhelming support and demand we’ve received from our customers in Wickham.

“We’ve seen a growing interest in high-quality, locally sourced food, and we believe the people of Winchester will appreciate the freshness and authenticity that Westlands Farm Shop brings.

SEE ALSO: Westlands Farm Shop reduces food miles in Fareham canteen

“If our plans are approved, we’ll be the only independent butchery on Winchester’s high street. People we have spoken to say Winchester has been crying out for an independent butcher in the city centre again and that is what we will be bringing.

“Our plans are in their infancy at the moment but we hope to be open in November - well in time for the Christmas rush of people looking for the freshest locally-sourced meats and foods for their Christmas.

“Our goal is to provide a shopping experience that not only offers fantastic products but also brings people closer to the local farming community.”