Cllr Debby Robinson has been on top of the concerns of local residents as to the arrival of the current tenants (yes, they’re paying to rent it) in the Shop Under The Clock.
Being thorough, she’s made a lot of phone calls and visits, including popping along to see them in the shop, to have a chat about what their background was and their plans.
The Shop Under the Clock – help for those in need in our community
In response to a number of questions and concerns voiced by Ventnor residents concerning the shop which has opened on the corner of Pier Street and Church Street, the Blog has given me the opportunity of passing on the facts, as they were told to me.
I first approached the freeholders of the building – Pittis and Co, the estate agents. Although the shop has been empty for over a year and a half, they do intend to open a branch of Pittis there next year.
Mr. Keith Trigg of Pittis, who lives in Ventnor, confirmed that a commercial lease for the shop had been granted and very kindly set up a meeting for me with Karen Jordan, who is currently running the shop, although the business is actually owned by her son, Scott Jordan, who is the sole proprietor.
How the shop works
Karen went to some lengths to tell me that they should not be confused with a charity shop, as they do not have charitable status.
They have decided to call themselves Isle of Wight Community Project, so as not to be confused with Ventnor Community Projects.
Both Mr.Trigg and IOW Trading Standards Officers, who visited Wednesday last week, are satisfied that nothing illegal needs to be addressed – also as far as they’re concerned, having dirty windows and/or a lack of attractive window display are not actionable matters.
Karen told me that they currently offer a free service in taking away any unwanted furniture and household effects. These items are then either sold in the shop or given away to people in need in the community.
Further she explained that proceeds from the shop all go towards expenses such as rent, rates, van and advertising. No salaries are deducted as all the workers are volunteers.
Many Island charities insist of referrals from bodies such as Social Services when disposing of donated furniture etc. but Karen is against this as she feels that many of the needy, especially the elderly, are too proud to take this route. Instead she is more than happy for people in need to be self-referring.
If you feel that you fall into that category and need help furnishing your home free of charge, please pop in and talk to Karen or call her on 867322.
