Repair, Reuse, Recycle shuts shop in Colchester town centre

Not-for-profit group Repair, Reuse, Recycle has taken the decision to close its store inside the creative business centre at 15 Queen Street.

The store was one of the first in Colchester to offer customers refills of environmentally-friendly household products as well as offering discount repairs on electrical items in the hopes of saving them from landfill.

The news was announced on the shop’s Facebook page, with disappointed residents expressing their sadness at the decision.

No specific reason for the move has been given, although it is believed the coronavirus pandemic may have played a part.

A statement posted by Chris Blomeley, co-ordinator of the community interest company, said: “In this time of change I regret to have to announce our shop at 15 Queen Street is now closed. Refills will continue at Wivenhoe Market and Colchester Farmers’ Market.

“Our efforts to combat climate change by reducing waste will continue.

“Our sister project Route51 Cycle Project is thankfully going strong thanks mainly to your support providing and promoting a sustainable means of transport. So we’re down but not out.

“We’ll continue to refill thousands of plastic bottles and repair electronics.”

Repair, Reuse, Recycle started out by hosting repair cafes in Wivenhoe Library back in 2016, with several similar events springing up across the borough before the shop opened.

Mr Blomeley added: “Lisa and myself would like to offer our sincere thanks for your support over the years, you have helped us achieve a massive positive impact on the environment, literally thousands of items have been repaired and saved from the waste stream.

“To lift your spirits a little, check out our Facebook page for the Route51 Cycle Project where we’ve given away over 150 bikes to NHS key workers and their families.

“Please consider donating your old bike to us, we collect.”

Visit facebook.com/Colroute51.