A NEW community shop is aiming to tackle problems affecting Govanhill.

Govanhill Community Development Trust has opened a facility on Allison Street allowing locals to report issues, find out about community events and ask for support.

The community information shop, opened on Friday by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, is hoped to be a “fantastic asset” for the neighbourhood.

GCDT chairwoman Lyn Ewing said: “The idea for the shop came from the community - and it is now proving to be a fantastic asset right in the heart of Govanhill.

“We have been developing and building on the services available at the shop since it first opened in December and it’s already very busy.

“With continued backing from our partners, we are sure it will go from strength to strength and become increasingly valued and popular with local people.”

GCDT, a subsidiary of Govanhill Housing Association, used funding from the Scottish Government’s People and Communities Fund towards the start-up costs of the shop.

Its functions include:

* A reporting centre where reports can be made about housing and other community issues, anonymously if needed, with details passed on to the relevant authorities

* Signposting to information about local supports and services

* What’s On with details of local events

* Support services such as Jobs & Business Glasgow, the police and Children 1st holding surgery sessions

* Information about local volunteering opportunities and training, and

* Community involvement with a base for community initiatives, such as ongoing monthly litter picks One of the volunteers who works at the shop, Inga Zaiceva, has lived in Glasgow since moving from Lithuania nine years ago.

She said: “Working in the community shop is right up my street - it’s just what I wanted to do as a volunteer.

“The atmosphere is really friendly and it’s great to work with other volunteers from different backgrounds, with so many different skills, to help the community.

“The shop is doing exactly what is needed in Govanhill - providing information for local people from all the organisations in the area.

“It’s already shown how useful it is to the community and I’m just happy to be doing what I love doing.”

The shop is at 192 Allison and its opening hours are Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.

Nicola Sturgeon said: “I’m delighted to officially open the Govanhill community information shop.

“This is a great way of ensuring people can find advice and help in a really accessible way. I congratulate all those involved and look forward to visiting again in the future.”