Lancaster charity shop bounces back at church

The Children’s Society’s shop on Damside Street in Lancaster was among city centre buildings affected by flooding during Storm Desmond.

Flood waters entered the shop while it was closed and rose to around two and a half feet high, ruining thousands of pounds worth of stock.

It could be months before the building can re-open to the public.

But an agreement was reached with the Church of England for The Children’s Society to open a ‘pop-up’ shop at Lancaster Priory Church.

The shop opened on Monday at the church on Priory Close off Castle Hill.

Shop manager Faye Smyth and volunteers were joined for the ceremony by the vicar of Lancaster, Rev Chris Newlands, and the Venerable Michael Everitt, the Archdeacon of Lancaster, who cut the ribbon to declare the shop open.

Fittingly, the shop occupies the area of St Nicholas’ Chapel, The Priory’s children’s chapel. It is open to the public from 10am-4pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays while repairs are made to the flood-damaged city centre unit.

Faye said: “The flooding had a terrible impact on many local organisations in Lancaster but for me, the way everyone has rallied together to ensure The Children’s Society can continue to operate here is a positive thing which will benefit vulnerable children and young people.”

The Venerable Michael Everitt, said: “Although not hit as badly as the Cumbria area, parts of Lancashire, including the Lancaster area, have been badly affected by the recent floods.

“So I am delighted that Lancaster Priory has been able to support The Children’s Society by finding space to provide a pop-up shop. This good news is a great example of the way in which local churches are continuing to support people in their communities in whatever way they can at this difficult time.”