A NEW 'Re-use Shop' the at Linford Household Waste and Recycling Centre has been officially opened by borough mayor Cllr Sue Shinnick, with the assistance of Cllr Victoria Holloway, cabinet member for place and environment.

Thurrock Council, which runs the shop, says it will help reduce waste and encourage re-use within the community.

At the shop residents can buy good quality, second-hand items at low prices instead of these items ending up in landfill. Every year, thousands of usable items are thrown away simply because they're no longer needed, and the council find tonnes load of good quality items in the skips atthe Linford site, prompting launch of the re-use shop.

Among items on sale will be small furniture, homeware and kitchen items, small electrical items, books, toys and DIY materials. All items are checked to ensure they are safe and fit for re-use before being offered for sale.

Cllr Holloway said: "This new shop is part of our commitment to reducing waste and is a fantastic example of how we can reduce waste while delivering real benefits for our community. By giving items a second life, we're cutting landfill, lowering carbon emissions and offering affordable goods to residents at the same time."

Cllr Shinnick was the first customer at the shop when it opened on Monday, 19 January.

The council says any money made from the items sold will be reinvested back into paying for council services in the community. Payment is taken by card only.

The shop is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm, it will not be open on weekends.

More information about the Re-use Shop, and how to contribute towards the council's re-use initiative to reduce waste can be found here: www.thurrock.gov.uk/reuseshop