A COMMUNITY shop is in danger of closing on certain days a week if staff do not get enough volunteers.The Chantry shop in Lavender Hill, Ipswich, serves as a mini centre and second hand store since it opened four and a half years ago.

A COMMUNITY shop is in danger of closing on certain days a week if staff do not get enough volunteers.

The Chantry shop in Lavender Hill, Ipswich, serves as a mini centre and second hand store since it opened four and a half years ago. It also has computers with internet access and offers free courses.

Although the shop has three regular helpers more are needed or staff may have to resort to closing the premises on some days during the week causing loss of vital revenue.

Anxious volunteer Jenny Nightingale, who works at the shop six days a week, is keen that the shop stays open throughout the week so people do not lose out.

She appealed for committed helpers saying: "We need two people in the shop at any one time for safety reasons.

"The shop has all the usual utility bills to pay to keep going. We have had to close on certain days.

"If we do that we are not taking more money."

She warned loss of revenue could affect the popular annual subsidised coach trips in the summer to places such as Great Yarmouth, Snetterton Market and Clacton.

Volunteering provides work experience. Telephone Jenny on 01473 – 683680 during opening hours 10am to 3pm.

N What do you think so be done to help community shops survive? Write in to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or visit the forum at www.eveningstar.co.uk