Town charity shop closed after fire set to re-open (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Town charity shop closed after fire set to re-open

10:40am Tuesday 21st February 2012 in Local

A BROMSGROVE charity shop, which was damaged and forced to close following a fire last December, is set to re-open this week.

The ExtraCare Charitable Trust shop, in Mill Lane, was forced to close on December 10 after a fire from a nearby wheelie bin spread to its flat roof and rear entrance door, causing black smoke to fill the building.

Staff held a successful three-day stall outside the shop, while it was being restored and repaired earlier this month, to sell off the fire damaged stock.

ExtraCare provides an alternative to nursing homes and care homes, and has been supporting older people for nearly 25 years.

The charity currently delivers services to more than 3,500 older people in its housing schemes based across the Midlands, and the charity’s shops, including the Bromsgrove branch, are the main source of income for these schemes.

Staff at the shop are inviting townsfolk to its grand re-opening this Tuesday, February 28, which will also be a belated birthday party to celebrate 10 years of the shop coming to the town.

The celebration was originally due to take place just before Christmas, but had to be cancelled because of the fire.

Jenny Chance, from the shop, said they now need the support of townsfolk as they are asking for donations to help them restock. Items can be handed into shop staff, after the opening.

Large donations can be arranged to be collected by shop’s staff by calling 01527 579294.