AN open day held by a Poole sheltered plant nursery resulted in interest being shown towards funding for a new shop.

The Chestnut Nursery in Kingland Road, a sheltered work opportunities project for adults with mental health problems, is busy raising money for premises to expand the selling of plants and related items such as garden tools.

“Quite a few people came along and we showed them what we do,” said supervisor Angela Man-sbridge.

“There was interest shown by people in funding us with the shop. It was really positive.”

Plans were unveiled for the new shop, of which they hope to build a smaller version.

A planning application has yet to be submitted to Borough of Poole and they are expecting to have to raise around £100,000 through charitable and lottery grants and donations.

Poole’s newly elected mayor, Cllr Peter Adams and mayoress, wife Brenda, were among visitors met by an array of colourful plants.

However while bad weather and a destructive seagull dropping a stone put paid to some of the greenhouse glass in the winter, vandals have added to the damage.

Two Sundays running big panes of glass have been smashed at the back of the shop by people throwing stones from the park – which has been reported to the police.

“There was shattered glass all over the bedding plants. Trying to pick all the glass out of them was very annoying,” said Angela.

The nursery is seeking a sponsor for one of the two beds it plants in the park and will be selling its plants and shrubs at the plant and garden fair at Upton Country Park this bank holiday weekend.

The nursery is open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm Saturday and 10am to 3pm Sunday.

Anyone who can help with the appeal can contact 01202 685999 or email info@chestnutnursery.org.uk.