A CHARITY shop in Chandler’s Ford that looked set to close has re-opened after its managers decided to take it over themselves.

The new-look store on Hiltingbury Road, which used to be The Hospice Shop, will now be The Hiltingbury Happy Place.

Staff and volunteers held a grand opening on Saturday morning where a red ribbon was cut to mark the store’s official new beginning, before heading inside to cut a cake in celebration.

Manager Lisa Stevens said: “It was previously managed by Jayne Poulter and myself for three years supporting Countess Mountbatten Hospice and Oakhaven Hospice Trust, but in May they decided not to continue with the lease.

“We decided to take over the lease and start our own charity. It seemed a waste to say goodbye to all our volunteers.”

The shop will support Shepherds Down School in Compton. “We wanted to keep it still within the community,” said Lisa.

“It just became obvious as we have 23 volunteers with three students at Shepherds Down.

“We contacted the school and they have been amazing.

“We took over the lease on December 1 with absolutely no stock and within two weeks we were inundated with donations from the community. We had local builders redecorating the shop, building stages and relaying carpets.

“We are really happy because we have turned a negative into a positive. It’s onwards and upwards.”