Grangemouth Loo crew open up new community shop and hub

Grangemouth Community Hub – formerly known as the Loo Crew – say a ‘pop up shop’ in York Lane was such a success that they are now opening it permanently.

The shop – formerly Mr Fixit – is now full of donations and busy with customers, many of whom are becoming regulars.

Pamela Young and June Ramage of Grangemouth Community Hub are delighted with how things are going and the support they have been getting from the community.

Pamela said: “It’s been absolutely brilliant – the support has just been amazing. We’ve had some really good quality stuff handed in and it’s been busy.

“We have some customers who come in every day which is lovely.”

Pamela and June were determined that the shop would be a ‘hub’ where people would feel welcome to come for a chat.

They also keep the prices as low as possible to help people on tight budgets.

While there is still a lot of work to be done, they are happy that the shop is already raising money to help keep the toilets in good order.

The hub team are also organising events that they hope will bring people into the town.

Unfortunately, their first event, a spring fair, had to be cancelled due to the high winds but it has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 20.

They now have everything crossed for good weather for the stalls and activities, which will include a dog show with lots of prizes.

The stalls will include the local care home, Cunningham House, who will have a tombola to help raise money for the home, and would be very glad of donations.

June said: “Some of the shopkeepers have told us that having the toilets open again has made a difference and they have had better trade.

“The shops have been fab and most of them have given us really good prizes for the spring fair.

“While we will have a lot of stalls at the fair, we’ve tried to make sure they won’t be competing with the town centre businesses.

Currently, the shop is also hosting Phatman’s Cave, which sells comic books, collectibles and artwork, and will be there until the spring fair.

Pamela and June both say it’s been very rewarding to be involved although they still can’t quite believe what they have achieved.

“It’s been really great to be part of it. It’s been really good for my mental health,” said Pamela.

“We’ve have some good laughs.”

They are still working closely with Falkirk Council to finalise the Community Asset Transfer and say that while it has been challenging, the council officers and CVS have been very helpful, as have local councillors.

They’ve come a long way since September, when they nervously held a public meeting to see if there was any support to reopen the toilets.

“All the things we have been thinking about are now starting to happen, which is amazing!” said Pamela.