Scrapstore saved from closure by grant funds

A charity which collects donated scrap materials to be reused for art projects has been saved from closure after it secured grant funding.

Scrapstore North Somerset, which is based in Gazelle Road, Weston-super-Mare, sells everything from strips of ripstop nylon to sequinned trousers and stick-on eyebrows - all in the name of creative reuse.

Store manager Laura Jones said the "amazing" and "really appreciated" funding from the Quartet Community Foundation and local councils meant they would be able to remain open.

The charity had announced in June that it was facing closure due to financial difficulties.

"It was heart-breaking to have to announce that we were about to close but the outpouring of support from our members and the wider community was just amazing," Jones said.

However, she said there was still a need for fundraising going forward.

She said the charity needed to continue to "support the schools, groups and individuals in North Somerset and Somerset who rely on the resources that we provide".

The waste material, donated by businesses like Cameron Balloons, Amarin Rubber and Ikea, is given new life as fancy dress costumes, party decorations and even stage sets.

Jones said: "We are now confident that we can continue to serve communities for years to come and expand the services we offer by hosting more workshops and community activities."

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