AN event to help people swap unwanted clothes for free almost had to be cancelled amid a row over transport.
Luckily Colchester Frock Swap will take still go ahead on November 22 at Colchester Arts Centre after a charity stepped in.
Organised by Stanway ward councillor Lesley Scott-Boutell it runs twice a year but she was left frustrated after support to transport the items was withdrawn.
She claims she was told by Colchester Council they would not be able to provide a van for moving clothes from a lock-up in Greenstead to the venue for the morning of the event.
They have provided the service for the last ten years.
Ms Scott-Boutell said: “I am extremely disappointed because the Frock Swap has been running over for 16 years.
“I started this to support the reduce, reuse, and recycle strategy.
“I have overcome various problems with pulling it together, such as originally having to source dress rails but the one thing we really need is the logistics.
“I have been told by the council to review my operating procedures which indicates a total lack of support and failure to follow Colchester's strategic plan.
“The solutions which were suggested by the council were ludicrous.”
Thankfully, the event will go ahead as ALB community group founder Peter Dutch has stepped in to provide support and will drive the clothes from the lock-up.
Ms Scott-Boutell added: “I have approached the fabulous Peter Dutch and ALB who has come in this time to support us.
“Without Peter’s support, I would have had to cancel at short notice which would have led to a lot of disappointment from volunteers and the Frock Swap regulars.
“Peter and the ALB have saved the day, huge thanks, they have supported the ethics of the frock swap, they clearly get it, Colchester council does not.”
Mr Dutch said: “We’re happy to be helping councillor Lesley Scott-Boutell on this occasion, we try and do our bit for the community.”
The swapping runs from 10.45am until 12noon.
Women's, men's and children's clothes, shoes and accessories are welcome.
Councillor Martin Goss, portfolio holder for waste, neighbourhoods and leisure said: “We couldn’t provide van support this year due to short notice and major operational pressures, including the Christmas light switch-on that same weekend.
"Weekend cover is minimal and focused on essential duties.
"We suggested alternatives, such as contacting partners like ALB or using councillor locality budgets, and we’re pleased one of these worked.
"We’ll continue collaborating with organisers to identify practical solutions for future events.
"However, we kindly request that event dates are discussed in advance rather than assuming that limited resources will be available.”
