Coun Andrew Mobbs says there could be a chance to gain some funding towards the initiative despite a setback in May when Advantage West Midlands and Business Link both turned down applications for cash.

Coun Mobbs, who is the chairman of Count on Kenilworth, devised the idea in March this year with a plan to turn an empty space into a department store featuring local goods and produce for sale.

He wants to offer space to cottage industries in the town in a six-month pilot scheme that would showcase their products.

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It was hoped that the Woolworths site would be the location, but a potential taker described as a 'major retailer' that could take over the premises means Coun Mobbs is on the hunt for a new location.

He said: "There is still a chance of funding for this initiative so it's not dead in the water yet.

"I have identified a local project management company who are also bid writers.

"They are interested in working with us to work up a bid to the Secretary of State for Communities, Hazel Blears, who announced £3m of funding to utilise empty shops.

"However, bids may be looked on more favourably if they are using units as advice centres or galleries. We will submit a bid based on our retail initiative."

He added: "Discussions with the Chamber of Trade have been positive.

"They do wish to protect existing traders, but also support this initiative and we are exploring as part of this process a Kenilworth shop online website which would benefit all traders."

Coun Mobbs added that the next step would be to meet with interested traders to draw up an action plan and get the wheels moving.

"The idea is not to compete with existing traders but to enhance their sales by also including a range of their products in this initiative," he said.

Anyone who wishes to add their home business to the list, offer ideas on the subject, or give their comments, positive or negative, can email Coun Mobbs at andrew.mobbs@warwickdc.gov.uk