A DOUBLE-DECKER community shop has hit the roads of Canvey to offer low-cost items to residents in a bid to bridge the gap between foodbanks and supermarkets.

The island’s branch of the Salvation Army launched the service on Friday at The Paddocks Community Centre, in Long Road.

Echo: Unveiled - the double-decker community supermarketUnveiled - the double-decker community supermarket (Image: The Salvation Army Canvey Island)

The charity is working in partnership with Essex County Council and Feeding Britain, which supports anti-hunger partnerships, by jointly funding this initiative to bring relief people struggling to make ends meet.

Holly Alberici, pioneer leader of The Salvation Army on Canvey Island said: “We are hoping to fill in the gap between foodbank and supermarket.

“People can jump on board and get what they need. Rising food prices are impacting more and more people, and I’m looking forward to the community using the bus in a welcoming and non-judgemental environment.”

Echo: Excited - Holly AlbericiExcited - Holly Alberici (Image: The Salvation Army Canvey Island)Customers have the opportunity to buy items at a greatly reduced price after paying a £5 annual sign on fee.

The supermarket is on the bottom deck, while the top is home to facilities including The Salvation Army’s mobile banking unit Employment Plus, which helps people become job ready.

Echo: Products - fruit, veg, bread, tortillas and eggsProducts - fruit, veg, bread, tortillas and eggs (Image: The Salvation Army Canvey Island)The new Stuff on the Bus service will initially run for two days a week.

On Tuesdays, it will make two stops at Link Road from 10am to 12pm and The Paddocks from 2pm to 4pm, while on Fridays, it will stop outside St Nicholas Church from 10am to 11am, the Small Gains Hall from 11.30am to 12.30pm and Canvey Island FC from 2pm to 3pm.

Echo: Joy - (L-R) Captain Wendy Watkins and Holly AlbericiJoy - (L-R) Captain Wendy Watkins and Holly Alberici (Image: The Salvation Army Canvey Island)

A personal shopper service will be offered for disabled customers.

 Last August, Canvey had all the Castle Point district’s neighbourhoods in its top fifth most deprived areas, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

There was a 12-year difference in a healthy life expectancy between the wealthy Boyce ward and the least wealthy, Canvey Island South.

Ray Howard MBE, former long-standing Canvey councillor, said: “The new addition will help considerably with the life expectancy in the deprived areas of the island.

“I welcome this new service by the Salvation Army, and I wish them every success with this project.”

To volunteer on the bus, email: hfeadmin@salvationarmy.org.uk, or call 01702 426260.

For more information, visit the Salvation Army Canvey Facebook page.