Church opens own shop to aid community

The New-2-U store in The Old School in Bierley Lane, Bierley in Bradford, will be run by a 20-strong team of volunteers from St John's Church in the village.

It will be launched by Bishop of Bradford David James on Bank Holiday Monday and be open for business from 9am the following day.

Money raised will pay for church projects such as a popular group for mothers and toddlers.

Volunteer shop manager Christine Croft said: "This project started with a small seed – just like the Mustard Seed grant we received from the Church Urban Fund to cover the set-up costs.

"I was telling my daughter about problems at the charity shop where I volunteered when she said 'you should start up one of your own for the church'.

"We realised that it would enable us to raise money to make sure we kept the church in Bierley, help fund local projects for the benefit of the whole community and also provide a small 'coffee area' where people could meet up for a chat and companionship.

"We received grants from the Church Urban Fund and Bradford City Challenge and other donations have come rolling in.

"The premises have been supplied at a low rent and local people have helped with all the alterations, producing among other things, some beautiful counters made out of recycled materials to keep our costs down and help the environment.

"We have a wonderful band of volunteers from the church and local community who have been working hard to ensure we are on track for the official opening.

"We are determined to make it a success, not only for St John's Church but the whole Bierley Community. We will always try and give voluntary work to anyone in need of gaining experience to improve their CV."

The shop will sell good quality used goods and some items will be new.

The shop can be contacted on 07905 394092. Opening times vary, depending on the day.