A Wiltshire charity, which helps people in crisis and those on low incomes, is reopening its doors three months after it was forced to close when its showroom was damaged by rainwater.

In total, the closure has cost Waste Not Want Not around £25,000 in lost income and in storage fees for its stock of furniture.

Now staff and volunteers at the Chippenham-based charity are looking forward to welcoming shoppers back to the showroom from Monday July 26.

Waste Not Want Not takes donations of furniture and household goods, in good condition, reselling them at affordable prices to those on low income, so they can create a comfortable home.

Through its Fresh Start scheme, Waste Not Want Not supports people in crisis, for example those forced to flee their homes due to domestic abuse and people previously homeless, by providing the basics they need to furnish a new home. In these cases, goods are provided free to qualifying Fresh Start clients, paid for from funds raised specifically for this purpose.

Just ten days after reopening in April following the end of Covid-19 lockdown, WNWN had to shut up shop again. Building work at the premises in Hungerdown Land, Chippenham, commissioned by the landlord, resulted in extensive rainwater damage.

“It was really, really frustrating having to close for three months, and frustrating for our customers too,” said Phil Reade, manager of Waste Not Want Not.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t have any choice because rain penetrated the ceiling during building work above the showroom, with subsequent weeks of rain causing much of the ceiling to collapse.

“However, the repairs are now complete and we’re very excited to be getting ready to open again. It will be so good to get back in there. Although we’ve been closed, we have still been able to support those in crisis through Fresh Start, helping some of the most vulnerable in society.”

Phil thanked the other member of staff, Rose Loud, and volunteer Julie Butt for all their help and support throughout the closure.

Founded in 2002, WNWN covers Chippenham, Calne, Corsham, Malmesbury, Melksham, Trowbridge and the surrounding villages.

Anyone with a household income below £35,000 can shop at WNWN. Support through Fresh Start is open to those in extreme crisis, so they can turn an empty property into a home.

WNWN is appealing for donations of good quality furniture and white good appliances. The charity would especially like donations of electric cookers. Donations can be offered via the website at https://waste-not-want-not.org.uk/ or by calling WNWN on 01249 447140. Monetary donations specifically to help Fresh Start clients can be made via the website.

Phil and the team are looking for more volunteers to help out at the shop - no qualifications or previous experience are necessary. They would also like more trustees, to come on board. Anyone interested in volunteering or becoming a trustee should email Phile at wnwn303@aol.com.