Walsall’s newest community shops open doors in Darlaston and Willenhall
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Following the launch of the Walsall Food Plan, Walsall Council has recently added two new community shop locations to its growing network across the borough – one in Darlaston and another in Willenhall.
Feeding Walsall’s Future, the Food Plan (2025-2030) was launched by Walsall Council in December 2025. The Walsall Food Plan aims to improve the food system in Walsall, and with record numbers of people accessing foodbanks, one way to tackle this is the council’s new community shop initiative.
“ We’re proud to be supporting the expansion of Walsall’s community shop network, ensuring that help is available where it's most needed. These shops are more than just affordable food outlets; they are places of community, connection and resilience.
The community shop at Lodge Farm Primary School is our seventh store to open and the first of its kind – inside a primary school – making it more accessible for parents and families whilst on the school run.
Our eighth and most recent shop opened at Darlaston Town Hall, where hot takeaway meals are also being served, as well as the usual stock of everyday essentials. “
The two new community shops will aid Walsall in taking another step towards tackling food insecurity and promoting healthier lifestyles. Aligning with the borough’s ambitious Food Plan 2025–2030. The shops will provide residents with access to affordable, nutritious food while creating a welcoming space for community engagement and support.
The Food Plan sets out a vision for “a sustainable and fair food environment where good food is grown, accessible and promoted for our residents to have healthy, nutritious, affordable and appealing food choices.” Community shops are central to achieving this vision.
Lodge Farm Primary School opened was opened on Friday 28 November 2025 by Sureena Brackenridge MP for Wolverhampton North East. The shop is the first of its kind – based inside a primary school in Willenhall.
Another community shop, Little Local, was opened by The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Louise Harrison, at Darlaston Town Hall on Monday 12 January 2026 in collaboration with local community charity and social enterprise, Darlaston All Active.
The community shops aim to provide additional access to essential household items – including food, toiletries, pet supplies and cleaning products – at affordable prices for all Walsall residents during the continued cost of living crisis.
Little Local, based at Darlaston Town Hall, also offers hot takeaway meals that customers can purchase at a reduced cost.
Membership for community shops are open to everyone, with no eligibility criteria.
Sureena Brackenridge MP spoke at the opening of the community shop at Lodge Farm Primary School.
“ With welcome support from Walsall Council, staff at Lodge Farm Primary have been able to build on its vision and extend its vital work in creating a hub for its whole community. Lodge Farm Primary is proving what compassion, commitment and community spirit can achieve. “
The new shops’ details are below:
Lodge Farm Primary School Community Shop
Address: Lodge Farm Primary School, Furzebank Way, Willenhall WV12 4BU
Opening times:
- Monday: 9am-9:45am
- Friday: 9am-9:45am
Little Local Community Shop
Address: Darlaston Town Hall, Victoria Road, Darlaston, Wednesbury WS10 8AA
Opening times:
- Tuesday: 10am-1pm
- Wednesday: 10am-1pm
- Thursday: 10am-1pm
Eight shops have opened in the past year thanks to financial support from Walsall Council.
To find out more about Walsall Council’s community shops across the borough, visit: go.walsall.gov.uk/people-and-communities/community-shops
