A WIRRAL entrepreneur inspired by the impact plastic is having on our planet has opened a 'zero-waste' shop.

Sharon Hall came up with the idea for Restore: Zero-waste shopping in Albert Road, Hoylake after watching BBC's Blue Planet II and Drowning in Plastic and felt compelled to try do something, if only in a small way, to help tackle the problem of wastage.

Her first step was to set up a Facebook page with questionnaire asking whether people would support such a shop and, if so, what would they like to see on sale.

Sharon said: "I was amazed at the response to my questionnaire.

"In a very short time over 300 people had responded – overwhelmingly positively – and offered a plethora of advice and suggestions".

The survey was followed by pop-up stalls in Hoylake and Heswall to gauge interest. Once again the feedback was very encouraging.

Sharon was offered a newly-vacated space in the old town hall in which to open the business.

Sharon said: "I would dearly love to mention everyone individually who helped, but they know who they are and I hope this very public 'thank you' will suffice.

"However, I do want to mention my partner, Roy Webster, who took on, and continues to take on a tremendous share of the work, and I really appreciate that."

Sharon continued: "For those unfamiliar with the concept of zero-waste shopping, everything we sell is either loose and stored in large glass jars, or packaged in paper or cardboard.

"Many customers now bring along their empty containers and refill them straight from the jars.

"Also available in much larger containers are washing-up liquid, toilet cleaner, hand wash, shampoo, and much more. This way you only pay for the product and not the packaging.

"Much is being made of the demise of the high street and the need for what is described as a 'retail experience'.

"I think we meet that need. Every day new things are added and I do my best to meet those needs.

"My parents say this is much how life was when they were growing up.

"In my mum's village shop there was a chair by the counter for customers to sit while their order was prepared. I love that idea!"

The shop will be officially launched this Friday at 5pm.