A TUCK shop at the recreation ground in Ilminster is proving a hit.

Cllr Sophie Storey, who helped set up the tuck shop, said it has taken £600 in its first four weeks.

The kiosk, run by volunteers, sells drinks, ice creams and sweets and is open 2-4pm weekdays and 10am-4pm Saturday and Sunday.

Cllr Storey told the News: “We have had so much help to make this project happen – the conversion of the storage area to kiosk was done using local tradespeople and local businesses. Volunteers helped with the pre-opening clean-up and will be staffing it.

“The first four weeks have been very busy and initial indications are that the trial is a success – and Ilminster residents are very positive about having a place on the recreation ground to get drinks.

“Some customers have even told our volunteers they have come from neighbouring towns because they appreciate the large open space where children can play safely and where they can get a drink.”

Town councillors agreed to pay £2,500 towards the shop’s start-up costs.

They stressed that, despite rumours around town, the money did not come from Section 106 funds and was taken from the town council’s coffers.

Any profits made will be put towards new play equipment at the recreation ground.

Cllr Storey said one of the negative areas had been litter.

She added: “There has been an increase in the amount of litter by the side of the skate park but volunteers have also been picking up as much litter after the tuck shop has closed.”

A handful of volunteers open up the facility and more are wanted.

Town clerk Joy Norris said if people wanted to use the tuck shop they should ask the town council.

She added: “If they can prove it will be properly staffed and run for a specific length of time then they should approach us and see what we can do.”

Application packs for anyone who would like to help run the kiosk can be downloaded from the town council’s website or re-quested from the kiosk or the town council offices.