The Ardler Village Trust's (AVT) shop and office now fit-for-purpose following a renovation project worth £30,000.

Building firm GRAHAM, which is constructing Sanctuary Scotland's final Ardler homes, completed the works, Scottish Housing News has said.

The community benefit investment was inspired by Sanctuary Scotland's £6.2m project to build 60 affordable homes in Birkdale Place. Rather than operating from two separate premises, the AVT's retail unit and office support now operate under one roof.

This arrangement will help a charity which has raised more than £75,000 for different community projects since 2008.

Bette Gurban, AVT Chairperson, said: "We are confident our new home will allow us to give an even better service to residents in Ardler.

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"On top of the obvious benefits of being on just one site, we now have better facilities and greater display space for the retail items kindly donated to us.

"None of this would have been possible without GRAHAM or Sanctuary Scotland, particularly during these austere times. The AVT thanks both for their generous support, which will ultimately benefit the people of Ardler."

Established in 2002, the AVT is part of the regeneration of Ardler. The charity's shop has helped fund a number of projects including community fun days, summer outings and Christmas events since it opened in September 2008. The shop is staffed by volunteers who give their time for free.

Gary Holmes, Regional Director at GRAHAM Construction, added: "GRAHAM has a policy of making a positive impact on the communities it operates within and the Ardler Village Trust does a tremendous amount of good work for the local people in Ardler.

"The AVT's refurbished premises will allow the organisation to continue its good work in the community. We are proud to have delivered these new homes for Ardler and to have played our part in breathing fresh life into the area."

The renovation was the latest in a line of support provided to the AVT by Sanctuary Scotland.

(JP/CD)