Prime unit to become charity shop?

The former Fore Street furniture and upholstery retailer Red House Furnishings could become a British Heart Foundation shop, it has been suggested.

One News reader has already written to Postbag criticising the move (read Wednesday's News).

A spokesman for the charity would neither confirm nor deny the rumours, but said: "We are always looking at opening up new charity shops.

"Nothing has been confirmed yet. At this moment in time it is not a yes but it is also not a no."

John and Jillian Wallis, the owners of Red House Furnishings, closed the shop in March because of rising overheads and falling trade. They continue to run their business from home.

Since then, permission has been granted to convert the upstairs of the building into two flats, but the spacious downstairs, which formerly kept a vast range of soft furnishings and fabrics, has lain empty.

Chard mayor Martin Wale said while he applauded the work of the BHF, he would be disappointed if the building remained a charity shop long-term.

He said: "I have no knowledge of anything happening there, but if it is going to be a charity shop on a short-term lease, while a main business is being sorted out, I wouldn't mind that.

"I would be disappointed, though, if the long-term plans are for a charity."

Tell us what you think. Would you be happy to see the British Heart Foundation come to Chard or do you think there are too many charity shops in the town already? Use the comment form below or click here to join our interactive Forums.