A FURNITURE charity which has supported countless residents in Blacon and the wider community has reluctantly announced it is to close.

Chester Used Furniture Enterprise (CUFE), currently based in the former Blacon Library on Western Avenue, sells donated, preloved furniture and bikes at affordable prices to those in need. It also helps reduce the number of items gong to landfill and uses its profits to support small, local community and voluntary sector groups and those in severe hardship.

But the building the charity is located in has been sold by Cheshire West and Chester Council, so CUFE – the only local furniture recycling organisation in Chester, will be homeless.

Chair of CUFE Trustees Clare Babbs said: "Trustees have decided to close the Blacon store later this year. After months of searching, we have been unable to find a new home and have reluctantly issued staff with redundancy notices this week so that they can start looking for new jobs.

"We’re really disappointed by this and have explored any and every opportunity for a new building."

Sue Williams, a founding trustee, said: "It’s really disappointing that a successful charity which supports so many people in need and delivers against the aspirations of so many organisations, will have to close because it can’t find a new home.

"We’ve got lots of volunteers and pledges of support and we’re financially sound, but won’t continue because we have struggled to find a suitable new building."

Paddy Paddock, a Blacon-based trustee, added: "It’s a tragedy that we face closure. We know there is acute need out there and that for those on limited budgets CUFE is a lifeline. They tell us on Facebook. We have 5,500 followers who really need us.

"We help people keep a check on their debts, pay their council tax and rent and so keep a roof over their heads. People let us know how crucial we are in helping them cope when we deliver simple things like beds for their kids or a cooker so they can feed their kids a hot meal.

"It’s humbling to see how little some people have to live on and I’m proud that our charity has been able to help so many since we have been here."

Councillor Carol Gahan, Cabinet Member for finance and Legal, said: “We have offered a number of alternative sites that the charity unfortunately haven’t found to be suitable, but we are continuing to offer suggestions.

“The plans to sell the old library building were shared with the charity early in 2018, this is the best option taking into consideration the costs for repairing and maintaining the building.

“It is intended that the proceeds of the sale of the property will benefit the residents of Blacon."

  • Anyone who can help CUFE is urged to call 01244 379293 or email neil.cufe@gmail.com.