9th October 2006

Greens disappointment at news that the Furniture Recycling Project (FRP) will cease trading on 27th of this month from their shop in John Street in Stroud; 4 people will be made redundant. 

Cllr Philip Booth, a spokesperson for Stroud District Green party said: "FRP are one of the country's leading organisations in this field - the fact that some 15,000 items of furniture have been supplied to Stroud District over the last 7 years is a huge achievement. In this time when we are trying to decrease the amount going to landfill this is a bitter blow."

Philip Booth, who has written to officers at the District Council with his concerns said: "It is estimated that over 400 tonnes will be saved from landfill by FRP this year alone primarily from Gloucester and some 14,000 items reused. Apparently it is estimated that savings of £1.5 million have been made to Councils in Gloucestershire by this project over the last 10 years. There are also significant benefits of this service to families on low incomes."

Changes to the Educational Maintenance Allowance are in part responsible for the closure.

Philip Booth added: "While I recognise a reduced service will continue from the Gloucester shop this is a poor substitute for having the local shop. Collections to the area will also be significantly reduced and a van will be sold. We are clearly at a very late date with this, but I know FRP would be willing to talk about any possible options and even if closure happens now they have said they would reconsider opening in the District."

Philip Booth said: "SDC has been supportive in the past of this project and I am hoping that they will look at this again. It would seem a great way of reducing landfill."