Brighton wood recycling project at risk of closure

Paolo Roggero, volunteer supervisor, Caitlin O'Callaghan, general assistant and Rick Wood, Wood Store supervisor

The Wood Store, a not-for-profit organisation in Elder Place, behind London Road, has been running for 21 years and has until March 31 to find a new home.

A campaign has been launched to find the store a new home as its current base will be developed into housing.

An interim plan could see the recycling project taking up residence in Ringmer, which could lead to redundancies and a decline in business.

Rick Wood, Wood Store supervisor, Caitlin O'Callaghan, general assistant, and Paolo Roggero, volunteer supervisor

Steve Bannatyne, who has been the general manager at The Wood Store for three years, said: “We have 14 people on the payroll. I had to sit down yesterday and have redundancy conversations with my team.

“People rely on this income to provide for their families.”

He said that finding a new space had been difficult due to the ‘unique nature’ of the business which currently operates a workshop and a store front under the same roof.

However, he said that the social media response to the ‘Save the Wood Store’ campaign has been ‘phenomenal’.

“I was surprised by the support,” he said “I didn’t know it was there!”

The social enterprise has provided training for 81 people, some of whom have experienced long-term addiction.

“I want people to come in and be willing to learn,” Steve said.

“Many come from long-term drug addiction and alcohol abuse and they come through the doors and turn their lives around - many go on to study at college.”

Steve says that the move could cost up to £15,000 but says this is something the Wood Store can bear if it means it can continue to provide training and employment.

Caroline Lucas, Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion, has announced her support for the campaign.

She said: “Brighton & Hove Wood Recycling Project is a fantastic example of a social enterprise really making a difference in our city.

“This not-for-profit aims to protect our environment by saving and reusing resources while helping to change lives by providing jobs, training and volunteering opportunities for local people.

“On previous visits to the Wood Store, I’ve seen first-hand the contribution they make to waste reduction through turning old off-cuts of wood into beautiful furniture, all made from recycled materials.

“I hope everyone can get behind their campaign to find a new home!”

The organisation collects, reuses and recycles waste wood and timber which would otherwise go into landfill.

The store has reused more than 300 tonnes of wood and recycled more than 500 tonnes and customers can buy handmade goods at a fraction of the cost of buying new items.

More information about the Wood Store and its campaign can be found on its website.