VOTE: Anger at plan to axe charity shop
10:00am Thursday 9th July 2009 in Your Town
OXFAM is pulling out of Horwich after 45 years in the town.
The charity is to close its shop because bosses say it is not making enough money — even though it is profitable.
Although the lease will not expire until the end of September, the branch in Lee Lane will close in August, despite attempts from loyal supporters who have tried to keep it open.
Hundreds of people have signed petitions and many held a protest outside the shop, but senior management has decided it is not profitable enough to justify renewing the lease.
Sinead Stewart, who has managed the shop for three years, said: “It has caused a lot of upset in the town. Horwich is a strong community and the shop has been part of that community for many years.”
The shop, which has been open for nearly 45 years, uses a team of 25 volunteers of all ages.
“We have a band of loyal and trusted volunteers and want them to know their contribution is valued,” said Ms Stewart.
The 56-year-old manager added: “We wish there were other criteria that could affect the decision.”
Despite strong sales figures, the shop is not considered successful enough to remain open.
Ian Falkingham, East Lancashire area manager, said: “Sadly the figures just don’t stack up.
“We have a very limited amount of money and, while the branch did make a profit, we have to be sure that we are still going to get a good return in five years’ time.”
He said the possibility of opening another shop nearby in a more profitable location had not been ruled out, although nothing suitable had been found so far.
“Oxfam’s resource has always been the people who support us and this is especially true of people in Horwich. That’s what makes it a very difficult and sad decision,” said Mr Falkingham.
One Oxfam supporter, Christine Hodgkinson, aged 67, said: “I am profoundly upset and angry about it and I know a lot of people feel the same.
“For Horwich, it’s so important. The shop teaches people about ethical responsibility and about caring. It widens people’s understanding of what the group does.
“Sadly, these are not the things that are taken into consideration when deciding whether to keep a shop open.”
