Linwood Community Development Trust (LCDT) opened its first Grocery store at Unit 19, Mossedge Industrial Estate Linwood last Wednesday.

Roots of Linwood provides high quality, low cost fresh fruit and vegetables with the added bonus of customers knowing that a proportion of the money they spend goes back into supporting projects for Linwood.

Kirsty Flannigan is manager of the Trust and along with the six women who volunteer, has big plans for this latest enterprise by LCDT.

She told The Gazette: “This is not the first time that Linwood has seen the start of a grocery enterprise and we want to have the same success of its predecessor more than 120 years ago.

“Linwood was the home of Galbraith and Sons which created its first grocery shop in Linwood, it grew and eventually was taken over by Safeway’s.

Kirsty added: “If it can be done then we can do it again.” The name of the shop and logo was decided by local residents and volunteers in memory of the Linwood car factory which was originally known as Rootes.

Volunteer, Elizabeth Eadie, said: “I absolutely love volunteering with Roots of Linwood. It keeps me busy and I have also got to know a lot of people both as volunteers and customers. “I have done a lot of volunteering in the past but this is the best so far as it’s informal, fun and also generates income to support the future of our town.” The Development Trust has received business grant start-up support from Renfrewshire Council to progress the initiative.

In attendance was Councillor Stuart Clark, who was on hand to help officially open the store to customers.

He said: “This is an exciting new initiative which is a real boost to the Linwood community.

“Being able to purchase fresh and healthy fruit and vegetables at the same time as investing in community projects is a fantastic idea, and I really commend the hardworking staff and volunteers who have made this happen.

“There are so many exciting new developments in Linwood and the LCDT have been behind many of them.“ Linstone Housing, one of the local associations within the area, has also backed the new shop.

“We are delighted to announce the opening of our first Grocery outlet in Linwood,” said Sharon Anne Ross, chairwoman of the Linwood Community Development Trust.

“We are overwhelmed at the support we are receiving and messages of support and good luck. If we can translate that support into active customers we will be delighted.” The shop will be opened Tuesday to Friday from 10am-4pm and on a Saturday from 9am until noon.