April 24, 2019 12.26 pm This story is over 59 months old

Nomad Trust Waterside charity shop closed

Low footfall contributed to the decision

The Nomad Trust charity shop on Sincil Street in Lincoln. Photo: Connor Creaghan for The Lincolnite

YMCA Lincolnshire has taken the “difficult but sensible decision” to close one of its Nomad Trust charity shops in the city.

The shop was initially located on Sincil Street and relocated to Waterside South in March 2018.  The lease of the charity shop on Waterside South in Lincoln was a temporary measure.

The shop closed on Wednesday, April 24 as the footfall was “significantly lower than the previous store’s location”.

The shop’s stock will be relocated to the Moorland store. Donations can be taken to the Moorland shop, the Warehouse or The Showroom.

If people have donations for the shelter, the have been advised to take them directly there.

The volunteers at both Sincil Street and Waterside were informed by YMCA Lincolnshire and are keen to continue working in other departments.

Chief Executive at YMCA Lincolnshire Caroline Killeavy said: “Due to circumstances beyond our control, we relocated our city based retail store from premises in Sincil Street to Waterside South in March last year.

“The Waterside lease was a temporary measure, attempting to retain the customer and volunteer support built up over many years. Unfortunately though, the footfall at this location is significantly lower than the previous stores location and we have had to take the difficult but sensible decision to close our Waterside shop.

“With the help of volunteers we will be relocating the shop’s stock to the Moorland store, and the Waterside shop will be closed from today (April 24). The Moorland store continues to perform very well and we have no plans to make any changes here.

“Our loyal volunteers who have worked with us at both Sincil Street and Waterside have been informed and are keen to continue to volunteer for YMCA Lincolnshire in other departments going forward. I would like to take this opportunity to thank anyone who has been involved in the management, promotion and day-to-day running of the Waterside store over the last year.”

A former employee, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Lincolnite the decision was made after a meeting on Tuesday, April 23.

They said: “I myself think it’s a great shame because we have very loyal customers.”

Community group Compassionate Lincoln previously put up a warm rail outside the shop to offer warm clothing and other items to people sleeping rough.

YMCA Lincolnshire spoke to Compassionate Lincoln who posted an appeal to its supporters to find a new location for the warm rail.

Photo: Compassionate Lincoln