Cornwall Scrapstore 2011

Cornwall Scrapstore announced back in May 2011 that because of a serious reduction in funding from Cornwall Council and doubts over any possible funding from them in further years, they were to close their Liskeard branch, and reduce the opening of the St. Austell and Pool branches to one day a week. The other significant announcement at that time was the decision to make the staff redundant from the end of May.

However, so great was the dedication of the employees that they offered to continue on a part-time voluntary basis to give as much continuity to Scrapstore services as possible.

In addition to opening at St. Austell and Pool, the 'closed' store at Liskeard was opened for a limited time each month to members in the east of the county.

In a press statement at the time Phil Walsh, Chair of the Trustees had this to say:

"The Trustees have had to make some very hard decisions. Cornwall Council has supported the Scrapstore for many years, and we are grateful to them for this support. We had hoped that they would be able to support us to the same extent as in previous years, but their own financial situation has meant that this has not been possible. The Trustees will now have to look at a sustainable operational model for the future. In the meantime, we are extremely grateful to our loyal and dedicated staff, who have offered to carry on working on a voluntary basis, to ensure that we are still able to offer a service to our members."

Cornwall Scrapstore 2012

The situation currently is that, despite support from our membership (thanks guys!), local councillors and MPs, press and public pressure, no further funding has materialised from Cornwall Council.

However, Cornwall ScrapStore is ready to launch a full year of services from January 1st 2012. This had been made possible because of some creative budgeting and the cooperation of staff who have agreed to continue working on reduced pay so that the charity can survive.

It is planned that funding aplications will be made throughout the coming year to ensure Cornwall ScrapStore's viability, not only during the coming twelve months, but long into the future. After all Cornwall ScrapStore has been providing materials for art and play in the county for seventeen years - and as a registered Charity for thirteen years - during all that time members have had free access to a wealth of fabric, paper, card, etc. that would have otherwise gone to land fill and would have cost significantly more on the open market.

Please continue to support us through 2012. Please renew your membership promptly and check you paying the correct amount. Tell your friends about us and encourage them to join too. Purchase goods and materials from our shop, share photos on this website, and share any links you might have with local companies wanting to dispose of their 'scrap' to a worthy cause.

For further information about Cornwall ScrapStore, it's services and facilities, please contact:

Gary King
Project Coordinator
Cornwall ScrapStore
Goonamarris
St. Austell
PL26 7QX
01726 821161

email: cornwall.scrapstore@sky.com

Website: www.cornwallscrapstore.co.uk