THE High Street Barnardo's charity shop in Cowdenbeath is back in action.

Barnardo's Scotland has implemented a phased opening of their stores across Scotland and is pleased to welcome back their customers in Fife.

Martin Crewe, Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: "The closure of our shops has had a significant impact on our ability to raise funds for those community-based services which support vulnerable children and families in many different ways.

“At the same time, the effects of the pandemic meant the demand for our services was at its greatest in recent years, so we were keen to re-open our stores as quickly and efficiently as possible – but making sure they were safe for our customers.”

As their shops have re-opened Barnardo’s Scotland has reported donations have been flooding in, whilst they are incredibly grateful to their customers’ loyalty - holding on to their donations until their shops open - they have reported that some shops are at capacity by lunchtime and are unable to take any further donations.

Deriel Watt, Area Business Manager for the shops in Fife, said: “As well as the volume of donations, due to post lockdown safety regulations, all stock must be quarantined for 72 hours before it can be sorted, which takes up valuable space in the shop; a number of volunteers have not yet returned to the charity which means less hands to sort donations, and fewer staff and volunteers are able to work together due to social distancing - so it’s not surprising that some stores have found themselves bursting at the seams.”

To help manage this, the charity is advising customers to call the Cowdenbeath shop at 137 High Street, on 01383 514825. Deriel continued: “When items are donated to a shop our colleagues will be wearing PPE - gloves and aprons – and they will quarantine the goods in a safe and secure storage area for 72 hours. Each item will be date stamped so we know exactly when it came in to the shop. After the quarantine period is over the goods will be put out on the shop floor.”