Volunteers are vital to keep shop

A project set up to promote sustainable living in Ollerton is depending on volunteer workers for survival after being hit by Government spending cuts.

The Eco Shop, on Forest Road, is part of the Ollerton and District Economic Forum (ODEF) which was created to encourage enterprise and provide work and training opportunities.

The shop is now completely reliant on volunteers and has reduced opening from five days a week to just two half-days after losing a paid member of staff recruited through the Future Jobs Fund.

Another worker recruited through the fund has moved into a different role within ODEF.

The shop cannot afford to replace the staff due to cuts in funding from the Regional Development Agency to ODEF.

The Future Jobs Fund has also been scrapped, leaving the future of the shop resting on volunteers. Until this week it had just one, meaning it could open only for limited hours.

Another volunteer has since been found, and it is hoped the shop will be able to extend opening back to four days a week.

However, more volunteers are needed if that is to continue to be viable.

The development manager for ODEF, Mr David Heathcote, said: “The shop is not getting any funding at the moment so we are having to survive on volunteers.

“We wouldn’t say we are under threat because we are fortunate enough to have volunteers who can help us and it doesn’t cost a great deal to run. However, we are always glad to have more volunteers — we have two at the moment and we could really do with four.”

The Eco Shop does not sell goods, but provides an advice service for people who want to live in a healthier and more environmentally-friendly way. There is guidance available on issues such as recycling and energy efficiency.

It also provides a showcase for environmentally-friendly products designed by small businesses in the area.

Students from the Dukeries College have used the shop to sell plants and hanging baskets.