LOCAL groups and clubs in Evesham can take advantage of a free meeting space at their local supermarket as part of a new initiative launched by the Midcounties Co-operative to bring communities together.

The Midcounties Co-operative Food store in Swan Lane is offering the use of its coffee shop outside of store opening hours and during quiet periods for customers to host their regular community meetings, which could include anything from weight loss groups to parental clubs, allowing local people to get together over freshly-made drinks and snacks.

The initiative follows a decline in public sector grants, which could affect running costs for local clubs, and underlines The Midcounties Co-operative Society’s commitment to providing impactful and sustainable support to the areas it trades in.

Nick White, store manager, said: “Local clubs and groups bring people of all backgrounds together, and enhance the well-being of members. We’re inviting our customers to use our coffee shop to make sure these important clubs continue to thrive in Evesham. It is important that everyone in the community has access to a variety of groups to suit their needs and interests and we’re committed to making sure that a potential lack of funding doesn’t compromise that. By creating space in our coffee shops for groups to get together, we hope to create opportunities for people to become more active in their local area.”