St Luke's Hospice begins to reopen charity shops from lockdown

While most retailers opened their doors earlier in the summer, having closed in March, the Winsford hospice announced it would wait a little longer to prepare its shops for social distancing.

Now, two branches in mid Cheshire have opened their doors for the first time since lockdown began.

The Hartford store, in Chester Road, is now open from 10am to 3pm on Mondays and Fridays.

It is also open from 10am to 4pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Meanwhile, the Winsford Cross store is now open from 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Saturday.

The two stores are only open for purchasing items at those times.

Members of the public can donate items for the charity to sell by booking an appointment at the St Luke’s warehouse, in Winsford Industrial Estate.

Alternatively, goods can be donated to the Hartford store from 3pm to 5pm on Mondays and Fridays, but at no other time.

The charity’s other branches in Witton Street, Northwich, and Wheelock Street, Middlewich, remain closed due to Covid-19.

Sarah James, communications officer at St Luke's Hospice, told the Guardian in May: “We are a small local charity and there is some work to do operationally to ensure that we can achieve social distancing for our staff, volunteers and customers. Their safety is our top priority.

“We are completely committed to reopening our charity shops in Winsford, Middlewich and Northwich.

“They are extremely important for the vital role they play in fundraising for patient care at the hospice.”

To book an appointment for donations at the warehouse call 01606 555825.