Lots of newly donated stock on offer as recycling centre re-use shops open again

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Christmastime at Aston Clinton re-use shop

Bargain-hunters looking for a good deal now that lockdown has ended are being urged to visit two charity re-use shops which are likely to be brimming with stock.

The shops, run by South Bucks Hospice at the household recycling centres at High Heavens and Aston Clinton, have been receiving goods during the lockdown and now have a backlog. The hospice works in partnership at the sites with FCC Environment and Buckinghamshire Council.

Nick Stacey, the hospice’s Retail and Operations Manager, said: “Both household recycling centres have been open during lockdown so the public have, as normal, been bringing in items that can be re-used and sold to raise funds for our charity.

“As the two shops have had to close in line with other retail outlets during lockdown, we haven’t been able to sell these goods, so we have a lot of good-quality stock now.”

Proceeds from sales go towards helping hospice patients who are facing life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

Mr Stacey added: “We sell a really good and varied range at these shops and there are truly great bargains to be had. It’s a win, win, win for everybody here. The public can pick up a very good deal while at the same time contributing vital funds to keep our hospice services supporting patients and their families.

“And because the re-use shops have been receiving a regular flow of goods during the lockdown we are well stocked and ready to go!”

Bill Chapple OBE, Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, said: “November saw visitor numbers to Buckinghamshire’s household recycling centres returning to pre-Covid levels for the first time, so it’s good to have the hospice re-use shops open again so that people can not only dispose of their waste and recycling, but can stop and browse for interesting items while helping to reduce our environmental footprint by giving perfectly usable things a new lease of life.”

Lockdown ends today (December 2), and the two shops will now be open during usual recycling centre winter opening hours –  from 9am until 4pm seven days a week. Measures will be in place to allow customers and staff to follow coronavirus prevention guidelines.