Baby Basics to carry on as Restore Furniture Barry closes

Baby Basics is based in the ReStore Furniture Shop, on Thompson Street, which announced it was closing in a Facebook message posted at the start of August.

Baby Basics provides baskets of items expectant mothers need as they prepare to give birth, and the charity has a network of agencies it works with to get the support to the most vulnerable in society.

ReStore Furniture Shop announced it was closing due to needing more support, coupled with rising costs.

Baby Basics, which works within the shop premises, now has until Thursday, August 31 to find a new home.

Centre manager for the Vale of Glamorgan Pauline Byrne said the most important thing was to let people and agencies know, Baby Basics was not following the Restore and closing down.

“I want to reassure people we are working as normal," said Ms Byrne. "We do have to find a new premise, but my main concern right now is letting people know we are still operating.

“We will not let anyone down."

Centre manager Pauline Byrne committed to continuing (Image: Newsquest)

Baby Basics provides baskets of everything expectant mothers need as they prepare to give birth (Image: Newsquest)

In an emotional Facebook message, ReStore Furniture Shop, which saves people thousands in reduced prices on a huge array of donated items it resells, thanked everyone who had supported the business

“We’re very sorry to announce that we will be closing at the end of August," said Restore.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported us with donations and especially the staff and wonderful team of volunteers.

“The project has grown over the years, requiring more support and this - together with rising costs - means that as a small charity we are no longer able to sustain it.”

There was an outpouring of love for the store, with customers commenting how much the shop meant to them.

One loyal customer said: “This is awful news, I really hope there is some way that you can stay open, you are vital for this community. I absolutely love coming to your shop and having a look around, I must go in there at least four times a week."

Restore Furniture Bank is closing (Image: Google Maps)

On Baby Basics, a former Gannett Foundation's Cash for Charities winner, Ms Bryne said she was overwhelmed by the support that had come forward after Restore’s announcement.

“I am blown away by the agencies and everybody who is on board trying to help us,” said Ms Bryne.

“It is amazing the people rallying around us. We have a lovely community in Barry.”

Do you use ReStore Furniture Shop or Baby Basics? What do you think of the closure of Restore? How will this news affect you? Let us know at harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.