Published: November 1, 2012
New furniture shop for low earners opens on Highbridge estate

A new charitable business has opened in Highbridge, selling second-hand furniture to residents on low incomes while raising money for the community at the same time.

A group of volunteers, led by Highbridge Residents Association's Tina Gray and Kim Chatwin and helped by county councillor John Woodman, is leasing the former newsagent's shop in Morland Road to launch Highbridge Furniture Limited.

The store caters exclusively for people on low incomes of under £20,000.

Tina told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "There are many local people who do not earn enough to afford new furniture which is where this shop helps."

She added: "Fifty per cent of all profits that the shop generates will be put back into the community."

Highbridge County Councillor John Woodman, who is supporting the enterprise, has been helping the group by offering advice and attended the grand opening, pictured here.

The new shop is being run as a Community Interest Company and the group hopes to seek charitable status in the future. Volunteers who are interested in helping the operation are being urged to drop in at the shop.

Pictured: Highbridge Residents Association members Tina Gray and Kim Chatwin with Highbridge County Councillor John Woodman at the shop's opening this week