A new community larder is set to be built in Largs to help locals struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
The facility will be set up in office space in the Largs Library building, and a call will go out soon for volunteers to run the larder - which could be ready to launch within the next month.
Building work to accommodate the larder is due to begin on August 28, Largs Community Council (LCC) was told this week - and it should be ready in no more than seven days.
LCC heard that North Ayrshire Council is planning to put out a call for volunteers in the coming weeks.
Ewan Grant, locality priorities officer at NAC, said the larder would be open during the library's normal hours.
"There is going to be a volunteer drive," he said.
"They don't foresee it taking it any longer than a week to build
"They are halving the offices where the library staff are, and there is going to be a partition wall with fridges and shelves with food."
Robbie Stevenson, a member of LCC's 'access to food' committee, welcomed the news- after the idea was first mooted last year.
Mr Stevenson said: "I have had discussions with NAC on it, and and my understanding was it was going to be manned by volunteers but co-ordinated by North Ayrshire Council.
"My understanding is that this has changed, and it is going to be run by the volunteers too."
In response Mr Grant said he expected the Largs larder to be run to a similar format to the larder already up and running in West Kilbride, and said training would be provided to volunteers - with the aim being that the larder be completely self-sufficient.
Independent North Coast councillor Ian Murdoch said: "I have been approached twice so far by someone who is wanting to supply food to the larder. It has been taking an awful long time."
Community councillor Wendy Low Thomson, who helps operate the local food bank, said she was pleased that there had been progress with the larder, but voiced disappointment that it had taken so long as she pointed out that there was a great need for the facility.
The News reported back in February that Largs Library was set to be the venue for the larder, but that the premises would need reconfigured to provide enough space for the facility.
The service in West Kilbride helps people who are struggling to access food. In return for a payment of £3, each family can get access to shopping worth £12 - while a payment of £5 opens up access to items worth £20.
The larder is funded by grants from North Ayrshire Council and people who pay monthly by standing order.
Louise Riddex, locality officer for North Ayrshire Council, said: "There are 12 larders across North Ayrshire and they are all run by volunteers, with support from North Ayrshire Council. This will be a great asset to Largs."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here