A REPAIR cafe is helping bring goods back into use and away from landfill.

Run by expert repairman Chris Blomeley, the cafe held a special launch session at Colchester Library on Saturday with residents queuing for help from the not-for-profit charity.

It is supported by Essex County Council, Colchester Bike Kitchen and Wivenhoe Town Council.

The ribbon was cut by cabinet member for recycling Malcolm Buckley with representatives from the council's waste and recycling team on site.

Mr Blomeley said: "It was an absolutely fantastic day.

"We had such good fun.

"We started with bikes and we had six.

"Every one was repaired so every one was kept out of landfill."

Gazette:

The low cost service is available at Wivenhoe library from 5.30pm to 7pm on a Thursday and then 7.30pm to 9pm at The Waiting Room in Colchester.

One of the ways the cafe and Chris can help is repairing washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers.

Mr Blomeley said: "We can do all household goods.

"We have had referrals from people with washing machines.

"It means they can be repaired and reused rather than scrapped."

Funding has been applied for so volunteers can train to fix white goods and carry out safety checks.

Mr Blomeley added: "These are low cost ethical repairs."

Some have chosen to donate items so they can be fixed and sold cheaply to those struggling financially.

Even if items cannot be fixed parts can be used to fix others.

For more information call 07799 494797 or e-mail repaircafe@transitionwivenhoe.org.uk