Salvation Army community shop opened by local MP

MP for Clwyd South, Susan Elan Jones, said: “The Salvation Army has supported this community for a long time and it's hugely respected. The shop performs a very important service for local people and is a real focal point.

“There is such a broad range of activities that The Salvation Army run in this village which truly meet the needs of this community. We are so fortunate to have this new facility which will help The Salvation Army to continue making a real difference to local people”

The Salvation Army has run a community shop in Coedpoeth for more than 17 years and the new premises will allow the Church and charity to build on the work it currently carries out supporting some of the most vulnerable local people. This includes working with social services across the area and nearby charities which support people experiencing homelessness.

The shop’s volunteers were excited to move into the new premises. One volunteer, Gwen Davies, has been volunteering for The Salvation Army since the shop first opened more than 17 years ago.

Gwen, said: “Volunteering in the shop has been wonderful for me, and my family. It’s a real joy to work here. The old shop has lots of memories for me as I worked there for so long but the new shop is great and I know we’ll be able to do more for the community now, which is wonderful.”

The shop is currently run by 12 regular volunteers plus a volunteer supervisor. Four adults with additional needs also volunteer in the shop along with their carers. The Salvation Army is appealing for more volunteers to help and asks that anyone who would like to offer their time should contacts the shop directly.

After Susan Elan Jones cut the ribbon it took less than five minutes for the shop to sell its first item –a winter jacket.

Gay Tonks, church leader at Coedpoeth Salvation Army, said: “We’re delighted that so many local people came to our opening today. We would like to thank the community for their continued support. It’s great to hear so many positive comments.

Gay continues: “We’re looking forward to building on our success.”

The new premises can be accessed across the car park outside the church The Salvation Army shares with the Roman Catholic Church.

The Salvation Army first opened in Coedpoeth 93 years ago and has been supporting the community, transforming lives ever since. Today it runs a number of activities, all which meet the specific needs of the community and these include a kids club, a drop-in service for young people aged over 13, a drama club, ladies fellowship and home league.