New community shop in Govan offers low-cost shopping

A new community shop has opened in Govan to provide families with low-cost shopping opportunities.

The new venture was initiated by Linthouse Housing Association in collaboration with Good Food Scotland as part of the Feeding Britain network.

The development - which opened last week - is designed to offer affordable items only for residents in the G51 postcode area which covers Govan.

Joining the community shop requires a £1 monthly membership which will allow shoppers to purchase a wide variety of food and household products at lower prices.

The shop is located at 1121 Govan Road in a building owned by Linthouse Housing Association which previously housed a café.

(Image: Martin Shields)

The association said the community shop was a "game changer" in the local fight against hunger.

Irene C McFarlane, chief executive of Linthouse, said: "This is a hugely-important development in delivering food dignity for the community we serve.

"The community shop is in a prime location which is easily accessible for local people.

"We readily acknowledge the partnership we have forged with Good Food Scotland and Feeding Britain to make this community shop a reality and to deliver low-cost shopping for as many people as possible."

The shop will first be open every Thursday from 10 to 1, with plans to extend these hours if customer demand is substantial.

Items that can be purchased include household goods, fresh meat and dairy, frozen produce, pet food, hygiene items, sweet treats, baby essentials, and laundry products among others.

Chris Stephens, chair of Good Food Scotland, said: “I’d like to thank the many partners who are working to assist the community with the launch of the shop.

“Case studies have shown that people are already making substantial savings by enthusiastically using it.”

Andrew Forsey OBE, national director of Feeding Britain, said: “Almost 250 years after one of the country's first co-operative shops was created, barely a mile along Govan Road, the Linthouse Community Shop will revive this spirit by bringing affordable, high-quality goods to the heart of the community.

“Crucially, this service will help residents stretch their budgets further and keep on top of household bills, without having to rely heavily on food banks.”