A NEW SHOP for the RSPCA was opened in Shanklin and joins the charity’s chain of eight shops across the Island, including two furniture shops in Newport and a new one in St John’s Road in Ryde.

This is all good news for the Bohemia Corner animal centre near Rookley as all the funds raised will go towards the keeping the centre open – another five people had to be laid off at the end of September.

Ken Rivers, IW Branch Chairman, was on hand to cut the ribbon on the society’s new shop, and volunteers from the shop looked on.

“This comes at an opportune moment as income falters while costs keep rising,” said Daryll Pitcher, Retail Manager.

“The RSPCA already has shops at Lake and Ventnor and the new Shanklin shop nestles neatly between the pair,” he added. “It is situated on the High Street, opposite the end of Regent Street and near to the pedestrian crossing. The shop has a light airy feel helped by the high ceiling.

“The clothes are hung neatly on the rails in the middle, with books down one wall and bric-a-brac on the other. The volunteers are waiting with a smile to serve you.”

Anyone wanting to help at the IW RSPCA in any way should either contact the Animal Centre or the Newport shop.