Thursday 15 January, 2009

It's not often you get something for nothing, but residents in Ash have the chance to recycle unwanted gifts and pick up something new for free, at the first Ash Swap Shop this Saturday 17 January. Guildford Borough Council Community Safety Wardens Jo Packman and Lesley Telford-Gillies, inspired by the success of previous events in Guildford, are bringing the Swap Shop concept to Ash.

Jo Packman says: "We saw what fun people were having in the Guildford Swaps and wanted to bring the idea to Ash. Schools were really keen to help so it should be a great morning. It’s a great way to recycle all your unwanted Christmas gifts and help the environment at the same time".

The Swap Shop takes place between 11am and 1pm this Saturday 17 January at the Ash Centre, Ash Hill Road in Ash. Residents can bring along any unwanted toys, books, CDs, DVDs, games, clothes and bikes to be swapped, although electrical goods cannot be accepted.

School children from Ash Grange Primary School have been busy creating a special banner for the event from recycled materials, with the help of textile recycling company LMB.

Head teacher Mrs Herd says: "The textile recycling company LMB ran a workshop to demonstrate in a very practical way that unwanted textiles are a resource, not rubbish. The children really enjoyed the session and came up with some very creative designs. They had great fun discussing what they could take to the Swap Shop on Saturday as well."

For more information on the Ash Swap Shop please contact Lesley Telford-Gillies, Community Safety Warden on 07769 642053.

This initiative is part of Guildford Borough Council's commitment to improving residents’ local surroundings, by focusing on issues that matter most to them such as a cleaner, safer and greener environment.