New `green’ shop offers bargains and community benefits
Shoppers are being offered the ultimate in guilt free spending, where they can find a bargain, help the environment and boost the coffers of a local charity.
Warwickshire County Council has worked with local environmental group Action 21 to launch an initiative in Leamington where quality items, which could have been heading for the rubbish heaps, are instead rescued and sold for charity gain.
This week saw the official opening of The Recycle Warehouse in Princes Drive, Leamington Spa, with the launch of a new white goods range and an appeal for more volunteers.
Action 21 was joined at the launch by Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Environmental Services, along with Leader of Warwickshire County Council Cllr Alan Farnell for the unveiling of a plaque marking the opening.
Cllr Heatley said: “Warwickshire County Council pioneered a very similar scheme at Burton Farm in the Stratford area and that has proved a huge success. Early indications are that this new venture will be just as successful, if not more so.’’
The Recycle Warehouse accepts donations of good condition furniture, household goods and curiosity items, which would otherwise be disposed of in landfill, and sells them at very low prices.
Any profits from the venture will be used to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable living in the local community
The venture is already bearing fruit – in the nine weeks prior to official opening more than 2,000 items have been donated and sold, equating to over 10 tonnes diverted from landfill.
Now, in response to public demand, the shop has increased its range to include washing machines, fridges, freezers and cookers, reconditioned at Onley Prison and selling at a fraction of new prices on the high street.
The Recycle Warehouse is building its success on community support. It is run in partnership with the Bath Place Community Venture and has the support of Warwickshire County Council who provided the premises, while local accountancy practice Burgis & Bullock is providing business advice pro bono.
The biggest input has come from volunteers who gutted and refurbished the Princes Drive premises and, working with manager Ben Moore, now man the shop throughout the week.
“We are delighted with progress so far,” says Jenny Sansom of Action 21. “So many of our customers have remarked on what a big difference they have seen at the shop already. But our success means we need more volunteers to work in the shop to cope with demand. Needless to say, new recruits are always welcome.”
Would-be volunteers should contact Jenny Sansom on 01926 456067.
Unwanted good quality furniture, household goods and small electrical items (excluding TVs, stereos and computers) can be donated at The Recycle Warehouse between 10am and 4pm any day except Tuesday.