Petition launched to save Derbyshire shop with 'loyal' customer base

Last week, Age UK confirmed it was planning to permanently shut a number of its charity shops.

MORE: Staff at Age UK charity shops in Derbyshire face uncertain future

One of those earmarked for closure is the store on Matlock Street, Bakewell.

Graham Barnett, assistant manager at the shop, said: “Age UK has been a wonderful charity to work for.

“It has given myself and my manager a great deal of job satisfaction and pleasure.

“The shop has an amazing, loyal team of volunteers who are a pleasure to work with, plus it has a loyal customer base.

“There has been an Age UK charity shop presence in Bakewell for 28 years.

“One of our volunteers has worked 28 years for the charity, starting the day the shop opened.

“Another volunteer, who is high up in the strata of society, has donated some £20,000 worth of gift-aided clothes to the shop since starting work there 10 years ago.

“Age UK has long campaigned for the vulnerable elderly in society.”

Mr Barnett said people can sign the petition if they see him with it outside the store.

It can also be signed at Bakewell Pet Supplies on Water Street.

An Age UK spokesperson said: “Age UK is pleased to have reopened 67 shops across the country since June 15 and we’re continuing to work hard on preparations for reopening more of our shops in phases over the coming weeks and months.

“However, unfortunately Age UK has also taken the difficult decision to propose the closure of a number of our charity shops on a permanent basis.

“We are taking this action with a heavy heart and are currently consulting with staff who are affected and are therefore not able to provide further detailed information at this stage.

“Announcements about those shops not reopening along with the next phase of openings are expected soon.”

Many charities are currently struggling as they grapple with soaring demand for their services and lost fundraising income due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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