Store to help cash-strapped families
SURPLUS supermarket goods at discount rates are now available in Halton.
Award-winning social enterprise Community Shop officially launched its outlet for the borough at the Onward Homes office on Northway near
Shopping City in Runcorn.
Items include food and general household products that have been donated by major retailers instead of going to waste.
Membership is open to residents who receive benefits.
The Runcorn branch is intended to be the group’s flagship store in the North West, and has been supported by Onward Homes, Halton Borough Council, and Well North, who have invested to support the creation of the Community Shop including a kitchen, and hub, where visitors can access personal development support and sessions for teaching cooking and budgeting, as well as interview skills and business courses.
The store’s kitchen will offer hot meals to members.
Natalie Brown, head of Community Shop, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be opening our first flagship Community Shop store in the North West.
“We are confident that we will generate transformational outcomes for families across Halton and are looking forward to working closely with them, alongside other local organisations in operation, to help build stronger individuals and more confident communities.
“We are very grateful for all the support we have received so far from Halton Borough Council, Onward
Homes, Well North,
Mike Amesbury MP, our parent organisation Company Shop and the local food businesses who have welcomed us with such open arms.
“The positive social, economic and environmental impact we will generate through our Community Shop Halton store would not be possible without their support.”
Cllr Ron Hignett (regeneration) said: “This is an excellent scheme which offers residents good food and household products at massively discounted prices. It will also provide opportunities for people to develop valuable life and employment skills.
“I am sure
Community Shop will quickly become an integral part of the local community.”
Bronwen Rapley, Onward Homes chief executive, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support this project by allowing
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Community Shop to use our office, near Shopping City, as a base. We believe that Community Shop will make a real difference to our customers in Halton and to the wider community.”