THE manager of the Sue Ryder shop in the Laindon Centre has thanked shoppers for their support as the shop closes its doors after 30 years.

The regeneration of the Laindon Centre has meant that the shop, along with many other businesses, has had to vacate its premises to make way for the new development.

Debs Townley, who has managed the shop for 16 years, is thanking those who have used the store to help raise funds to support Sue Ryder’s palliative, neurological and bereavement care.

She said: “It’s such a great shame that the Sue Ryder Laindon shop is to close, especially as we would have been celebrating 30 years of trade this January.

“The closure will be a real loss to both Sue Ryder and shoppers in Basildon. As well as supporting Sue Ryder’s care for people facing a terminal illness, neurological condition or the loss of a loved one, the shop has long been a reliable source of good value, high-quality second hand goods, and fostered a real sense of community in the area.

“We estimate that over the last 30 years our shop will have raised enough funds to have kept a Sue Ryder hospice open for nearly a year, or cover an amazing 85 nurse salaries.

“This is no mean feat, and I’d like to thank all our volunteers who have given up their time to help us achieve this. They’ve worked tirelessly to keep the shop open six days a week, processing our many donations, helping out on the sales desk and providing first-class customer service.

“I would also like to thank the public for its constant stream of donations, and all our regular customers who have stopped by to browse for a bargain. It’s been such a pleasure to have met all of you over the last 16 years I have been here.

“Going forward, our neighbouring Sue Ryder branches in the likes of Rayleigh, Benfleet and Wickford are business as usual, stocking the wide selection of high quality and well-priced second hand goods that you will have come to expect of a Sue Ryder shop."

Mrs Townley also stated that all paid staff members have found other roles.

To find the nearest Sue Ryder shop, visit www.sueryder/shops.