COUNCILLORS MOVE TO SAVE FURNITURE SCHEME
Councillors across South Shropshire have reacted with alarm to the news that Wrekin Housing Association are intending to close the South Shropshire Furniture Scheme after decades of excellent service to the people of the South of the County.
Vivienne Parry, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow South said: “The service this scheme has given over the years has been invaluable. Not only have they provided good reconditioned furniture and white goods to those in need but they have trained a number of our young people through their apprenticeship schemes. Over the years they have supported many people back into work. They also employ 7 staff.”
The Scheme was set up by Susan and Niall McCormack and run successfully as an independent charity for a number of years since 1994 drawing in much grant aid. South Shropshire District Council also gave grants to it. Some years ago, its management was taken over by Wrekin Housing Association.
It is also really important in diverting furniture to landfill and giving good furniture a future,
PLEA TO SHROPSHIRE CABINET.
Heather Kidd, Shropshire Councillor for Chirbury and Worthen and Former leader of South Shropshire District Council, added: “This is far too valuable a resource to loose. They provide the only service of this kind across the whole of the southern part of the County. I have put in a question to Shropshire Council’s Cabinet meeting on 30 November asking if they can help. We also need to speak to other groups in the voluntary sector to see if we can put a rescue package together. With the cost of living problems and a recession coming on this scheme is needed more than ever .”