A NEW community shop has opened on Stonehouse's Park Estate.

All Pulling Together Central will bring services and support to the heart of the area.

From left, Mark Gale from Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, PCSO Tracy Wren and Ian Mallinson from Stroud District Council Tenant Services at the APT Central opening.

Stroud MP Neil Carmichael and Stonehouse mayor Coun Mattie Ross opened the new facility in Park Parade on Monday.

Malcolm Francis, chairman of the All Pulling Together Community Association, said: "APT Central is somewhere to socialise, learn and help each other. It's somewhere to get our voices heard and see we can make a difference."

The idea for a one-stop shop was sparked by local Police Community Support Officer Tracy Wren, who noticed Park Estate residents needed somewhere offering advice, support and training courses.

She took it to Stroud District Council which worked to find a suitable property and a community association was established.

PCSO Wren said: "What has been truly incredible about seeing this project evolve is how it is being driven by local people."

APT Central is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

The local policing team, district council, Opportunities Stonehouse and Citizen's Advice Bureau will hold drop-in sessions at the shop, which will also be used for social events and classes and computers are available for anyone to use. For details, call 01453 822 705.