A PROJECT to help vulnerable people get back into work has opened a fruit and veg shop in Oakham.
The former public toilets in Church Passage, Oakham were closed in December 2005 after they were vandalised, but have now been reopened as a greengrocer's store by Out of the Rut.
The social enterprise took over the facility after new public toilets opened in Church Street last year.
The organisation helps people with learning disabilities and mental health issues to get experience and develop skills and confidence to help them find work.
Group members have turned the toilet block into a fruit and vegetable shop selling organic and Rutland-grown food thanks to the support of Rutland County Council which owns the building.
County councillor Hugh Rees (Con), portfolio holder for adult social care and health, said: "The shop will make an important new facility for residents and visitors as well as providing support for some of our most vulnerable people.
"I am proud to see such a beneficial and forward thinking use for an otherwise unused building."
The fruit and vegetable shop will also sell plants grown by Out of the Rut members.
Out of the Rut director Paul Watson said: "This is fantastic news for people with a disability to engage in mainstream work by giving them the opportunity to work in a shop and develop their social skills and confidence."
The group secured planning permission to change the use of the building.
The shop will be open Monday and Tuesday from 9am to 5pm, Wednesday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm and Saturday from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
The toilet block has been converted using joint funding from Rutland County Council and Out of the Rut.
Out of the Rut provided £14,000 towards the refurbishment and Rutland County Council gave £39,000 from a National Mental Health grant.