Long-awaited community larder in Largs to open this month

Work on the larder project, to be based at Largs Library, is nearing completion, members of Largs Community Council (LCC) were told - and North Ayrshire Council, which runs the library, has been working on bringing in volunteers to develop and run the larder.

Described as the 'Largs Food Hub' at last week's community council meeting, where the matter was discussed, the facility will open its doors on Tuesday, February 27.

It will be open on Tuesdays from 2-5pm and Fridays from 10.30am till 12.30pm.

A meeting was held on December 19 to set up a constitution for the larder, formalise a bank account and decide on a name for the new service.

The News revealed last February that a community larder was to open in Largs, following similar projects set up elsewhere in North Ayrshire, including in West Kilbride.

In return for a payment of £4 each family that uses the West Kilbride larder can get access to shopping worth £12 - while a payment of £5 opens up access to items worth £20. A similar formula is expected to be used for the Largs larder when it opens.

The delay had been caused by the delivery of fridge freezers and the need for adaptations to the larder premises - but "everything else was ready to go".

LCC secretary Linda Smith told the meeting that it was 'good news' for the town and would help families in need.

North Coast Locality Officer Louise Riddex (Image: North Ayrshire Council)

North Ayrshire Council locality officer Louise Riddex said: "It is only open for two days a week and that will be continually revised going forward depending on volunteers availibility.

"For people who are not eligible at the foodbank, for people who are not on benefits, but to help them with their shopping costs.

"This is the 14th community larder to open in North Ayrshire, and there is a community larder which will be opening on the Isle of Cumbrae."