For the past six years Ann Emmanuel, her 85-year-old mother Eirian Brown and Peter Bradbury have volunteered their services and worked tirelessly to keep the Neighbourhood Watch drop in centre in Llandudno open.
Now as the rent increases, they are finding it very difficult to cover the running costs of the shop in Market Street, and unless they can find help in the next few weeks they fear they will be forced to hand in their notice by the beginning of March.
Not only have the staff been fund raising and offering a cup of tea to anyone who wants to drop in for a chat, they are also constantly helping North Wales Police to prepare a host of security and home safety packs. They deliver newsletters to all the Neighbourhood Watch coordinators in the county and they have always been on hand to assist at exhibitions across the force area.
The shop opens from 11am till 3pm six days a week, and all the money raised from the sale of goods not only pays for the upkeep of the shop, but in the past substantial donations have been made to St David’s Hospice, Ty Gobaith, play equipment has been provided in Llandudno Junction and the elderly of the area have been taken out on trips.
Ifan Hughes, the Central Community Safety Officer said: “It will be a great loss to society, the police and the partnerships if this drop in centre is forced to close.”
“If the shop goes we will lose the goodwill of these people, who are dedicated to voluntary work in the county of Conwy and I feel very strongly about giving them 110% support.”
He added: “I get paid for what I’m doing, but these people are doing it from the heart. We appreciate what they are doing and it’s important that we pull together to help because they are an important part of the policing family.”
The drop in centre, which has won numerous national awards, started in Market Place, Llandudno, but was forced to relocate to Market Street two years ago when the original shop was demolished.
“We have no problems finding funding for projects yet there is no money to keep the shop open,” explained Ann, the area coordinator for Neighbourhood Watch.
The three volunteers originally got involved with Neighbourhood Watch 12 years ago, when Peter started having problems at his Llandudno Junction home. A meeting was called, Ann took the chair and from there they have expanded to help the entire community.
The drop in centre was then set up when they found they were constantly being approached for advice on home security.
In a desperate plea, Ann said: “We have a fantastic landlord who supports us in what we do, but if we cannot cover the rent then we will have to close. If everyone who came in spent £1 we would be laughing.”
“This is our entire life. A lot goes on here and it would be a real shame if it was to close. My mother would be devastated if she had to stay at home, and it is also a concern wondering where some of the elderly will go if they can’t drop in here.
Anyone who feels they may be able to help the Neighbourhood Watch drop in centre with either sponsorship or funding is urged to contact Ifan Hughes, the Central Community Safety Officer at North Wales Police on 101, 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line) or 0845 607 1002 (English line).
