Reclaiming and repairing unwanted items has helped Blackpool Council make a significant donation to a local charity.




Every year, the Council donates £10,000 to the Mayor’s charity, with the money coming from revenue made at its Tip Shop.
This year will see Trinity Hospice receive the funds to support its remarkable work.
The donation was accepted by the Mayor of Blackpool, Cllr Kath Rowson accompanied by Mayoress Joan Goldin.
The Tip Shop, which is located on the first floor of the tip at Bristol Avenue, Bispham, sells second hand goods at a discounted price and has celebrated a record £100,000 of sales this year.
The idea was inspired by council staff back in 2013, who were shocked at the amount of perfectly good, usable items being disposed of at the site.
Now, everything from books and board games to DVD’s and desks are sold at the shop for a knockdown price.
And, in an expansion for the shop, electrical items such as dishwashers, computers and tumble dryers are also available to buy.
The electrical items are received through bulky waste collections taken away by the council’s bulky waste partner Furniture Matters. Those items are then tested to make sure that they work properly before being put on sale with a three or six month guarantee.
All the money raised through the shop is used to help keep the tip open six days a week, as well as making a regular donation to the Mayor’s choice of charity for the year.
Cllr Fred Jackson, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, commented: “The Tip Shop has been a tremendous success since it opened four years ago and had a record year this year by recycling goods that would normally be thrown away.
“It is wonderful that worthy causes such as Trinity Hospice will benefit from the service that the shop provides.
“The shop not only helps deserving charities and organisations, it is helping save items from landfill and puts money back into the town, its people and public services.”
Mayor of Blackpool, Cllr Kath Rowson, said: “I am absolutely delighted by this donation. It is a significant amount and will really support the marvellous work that Trinity Hospice undertakes.
“They do a wonderful job improving the quality of life for local people and also provide much needed support for their families.
“As well as thanking the Council, I would also like to thank everyone who buys goods at the shop and has played an important role in both helping raise this donation and increasing recycling rates.”
The Tip Shop is open every day except Thursday between 10am to 3.45pm.
To find out more, visit www.blackpool.gov.uk/tipshop