Following the sudden closure of the Craven Furniture Scheme, the owner of the Sawley Street premises rented by the charity has been left with a unit full of furniture.

In the spirit of the original furniture recycling venture run by Craven Voluntary Action, Richard Mason is arranging a give-away day on Saturday 31st October, where anyone is welcome to collect any item in exchange for a donation to Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Craven Voluntary Action shocked the town with its announcement of voluntary liquidation in the summer. It left volunteers and staff at the Sawley Street furniture scheme with a warehouse full of furniture, their delivery van taken away and the insurance cancelled with their voluntary services “terminated with immediate effect”.

Landlord Richard Mason explains “Everyone, including us, was left high and dry. Before we can look for new tenants for the unit, we need to empty it of all the furniture and appliances. Bonfire night is coming up and unless people can come and take away the items, we’ll have no choice but to burn it all.”

The self-funding and non-profit making Craven Furniture Scheme collected donated furniture and electrical goods, selling them at well below market value to people who could not afford new furniture. Now Richard, a cabinetmaker with his team of craftsman in the Secret Drawer premises next door, has a warehouse full of perfectly good Furniture Scheme items including beds, wardrobes, suites, tables, chairs, fridge freezers, televisions, washing machines and upholstery - under 15 years old and compliant with current fire regulations.

The unit will be open from 9am to 5pm on Saturday 31st October for anyone to collect the unwanted items in exchange for a donation to the charity collection bucket.