ANOTHER charity shop is to open on the Bridge and the news has drawn a mixed response from traders in the area.

In the last year, three such operations have set up in former retail premises – Creasey’s Toy Shop, Sales and Island Wide. Now the Bridge Motor Shop’s former premises is being turned into an outlet for Communicate, bringing the total to six.

The charity helps young people with communication difficulties to get into work.

Bridge Traders head Martin Search (pictured) welcomed the move.

‘The charity shops are in places on short-term leases because of the redevelopment of Leale’s Yard,’ he said. ‘No proper business is going to rent these buildings. It’s too short term a lease.

‘It’s fantastic to have the charity shops down there. It brings more footfall and keeps the Bridge busy.’

Sue Charman, who runs Beddi-Buys, agreed it was best that the shops were filled but would rather see retailers there than charity shops.

‘I think there are too many charity shops in one street,’ she said. ‘I would like to see other retail outlets. The more retail outlets that disappear, the more people will have to go further afield to get everything they want. I think charity shops are a wonderful thing, but I think this many in one area is a bit much.’