Nub News is devoted to local business - we want our high street to thrive.

In this new feature, we get behind-the-scenes insights into new businesses as they set-up-shop in Penarth.

Penarth's first zero waste shop is beginning to take shape. Debra Thorne and Alex Pearson are applying paint to their 3 Windsor Arcade unit and planning its layout.

"So on this wall we're going to have 100 dispensers of non-perishable foodstuffs - your dried fruits, your pasta, nuts, flour, that sort of thing, anything you don't need a fridge for," Debra tells Nub News.

"Customers will bring in their containers, weigh them on the scales, fill them up with whatever they like and then weigh them again and the scales will automatically subtract the weight of the container," chimes in Alex. "Then over here we're going to have things like compostable dish cloths, soaps, shampoo and body wash dispensers. Debra's already found an egg-guy."

Alex and Debra met seven years ago. Both work in education but have been driven to try something new by their love of nature and zero waste shops.

"It's a totally new venture for us," says Debra. "Aside from me working in a shop years ago, we're both new to running a retail business. It's more of a personal interest. We're very outdoorsy people, so we see a lot of the damage waste is doing to the natural environment.

"Whenever we go on holiday, we hunt out the zero waste shops wherever we go. It just feels right that Penarth gets one!"

The local community seems to agree. Zero Penarth's Facebook page has been flooded by posts from people eagerly anticipating opening day.

"Cannot wait," one reads.

Besides environmental concerns, Alex and Debra also want to use the shop to support the community and local businesses.

"We want to become a bit of a hub," says Debra. "We want to be a place where local producers and craftspeople can sell their stuff. I was just speaking to a potter yesterday who is keen to get involved. We're really keen to bring that community feel to it."

Alex and Debra plan to employ part-time staff so they can continue their current jobs on a part-time basis. Debra says they are keen to do so through the government's Kickstart scheme, which creates placements for 16-24-year-olds who have had their career aspirations dashed by COVID.

"It's an opportunity to help young people in these very uncertain times, and it also helps us out as new business owners."

Zero Penarth is due to open in early November.