Douglas Council looking to start 'Repair Shop' service at the civic amenity site

Picture credit: Emma Draper/LDRS

Local authority wants 'qualified and experienced' organisations to volunteer

Douglas Council is looking for volunteers to start a 'Repair Shop' style service for residents. 

It wants applications from 'qualified and experienced' organisations or individuals who will be able to fix damaged items which are left at the Eastern Civic Amenity Site's re-use facility.

These could include household appliances, toys, furniture, fitness equipment and tools. 

The ECAS joint committee says the re-use shed is one of the best used areas and believes there’s 'potential' to repair items that would ordinarily be destined for waste skips.

A council spokesperson says: "There’s a real opportunity to engage with a group or individuals who have the necessary skillsets and experience.

"For some time now, the shed at the Eastern Civic Amenity Site has been a hive of activity from members of the public, both for those who drop items off and those who look to see what is up for grabs and can still be put to good use.

"The opening of the large and lighter shed in the summer of 2023 has only led to increased interest in such a valuable resource but one which also reduces waste.

"At a committee meeting, members were discussing its popularity and felt it lends itself to running a venture similar to the Repair Shop concept which is a sustainable antidote to the throwaway culture.

"The facility is a fantastic way to reduce waste, reuse items before they become waste and repurpose items which would not normally go to a charity shop, saving tonnes from being unnecessarily disposed of.

"Sometimes items simply need a lick of paint or some basic repair work so we would like to put this resource to even better use and hear from anyone interested in getting involved in this project to come forward."

Interested parties will initially be required to apply and provide details of themselves or their organisation, their relative experience and their capacity to the contractor on ACrook@douglas.gov.im by 5pm on 24 June.

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