Bilston Community Shop, one of a network across the city, marked its first anniversary birthday to thank the volunteers who’ve worked so hard to make it a success.
Over the last year the West Midlands-based shop has established itself in the community and has built a membership of 1500 with people coming from all over the city to use it. There’s a network of six community shops currently, which were devised to help provide good quality, nutritious food for all at reasonable prices, which has particularly helped during the current cost of living crisis.
Shop manager, John Raj said: “It’s been an amazing year, extremely busy and challenging, but incredibly rewarding.
“We have a strong team of volunteers, who work very hard to keep Bilston Community Shop fully stocked and functional. I would like to thank the team for being amazing and working so tirelessly behind the scenes over the past year.”
There will be eight shops in total by next year, with a flagship shop opening soon in the city centre. Executive Director of Families, Emma Bennett said: “The community shops have made a huge contribution over the last year by providing quality food at great prices.
“The council is grateful to all of the managers like John at Bilston and the army of volunteers, who have made the shops such a success. I’d urge anyone who lives in the city to pop in and check out what’s on offer.”
