BENARTY Community Shop is back and better than ever in a larger premises that is now open for business.

Customers were welcomed in for the first time on Saturday after an incredible period of work from those behind the project.

The shop first opened its doors at 4/5 Benarty Square in June 2017.

A member of staff told the Times: "The idea that came from a local community worker, became a reality and very quickly became a highly successful project.

"Our mission was to raise funds for local projects and those in need.

"Since that day in 2017, until the shop closed due to the pandemic in November 2020, the shop has proudly raised and donated thousands of pounds to projects and groups in the Benarty area.

"It has also provided affordable clothing and goods to the community."

When they were offered the chance to move to a larger premises next door, they jumped at it.

"It has taken 14 months to bring the building up to standard and to meet Fife Council’s stipulations," staff said.

"Funding was successfully secured to allow the shop to undergo renovations, employ a manager and pay the overheads, a lifeline for which we have been very grateful.

"It has been a long road and a lot of work has been done by members of the Benarty Community Forum, the volunteers and tradesmen and those from the community who gave their time and skills to get the shop to where it is today, and we thank them all.

"The shop has offered opportunities to those who volunteer.

"They have recently undertaken and passed a food hygiene course offered to us by the Scottish Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) for which we are all very grateful.

"In the pipeline are other courses provided by CRT such as first aid and a customer service accredited qualification. Some of the volunteers also took part in a window dressing qualification provided by one of the forum members."

Inside the "bright and vibrant" new shop is a range of good quality and affordable items, as well as a coffee shop; it is hoped it will become a hub for the community.