A windfall grant has helped a community shop cope with a growing influx of customers.

The Shoebury Information Shop in West Road has seen more and more people through its doors since it started up on April 1, 1998.

Now thanks to a £2,500 grant from Essex TEC, the shop can invest in more up-to-the-minute computer equipment.

Janice Lyons, information shop facilitator, said: "The information shop, like all true community projects has to listen to what the community is saying. Ongoing consultation with the community is crucial if the project's long-term success is to be assured.

"The community had asked for equipment which would add to the teaching and learning experience at the shop. The request included two new computers, a flat bed scanner and digital camera for the community website.

"Within our limited budget, it was difficult to accommodate this request, which is where Essex TEC came to the rescue with a £2,500 grant."

The equipment has made a huge impact on many of the projects operating from the shop. People working on the website project now have the ability to put a company's photograph directly on to the web pages.

The extra computers have also allowed more access for community groups and other ground-breaking projects such as the jobs newsletter produced by job seekers.

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