The Glasgow Play-Resource Association (GPA) will shut at the end of June.
A Glasgow charity has confirmed that it will close at the end of this month after operating in the city for almost 40 years.
Staff at the Glasgow Play-Resource Association (GPA) said they have been left devastated at the news, telling the Glasgow Times the closure will have a “knock-on effect” on the city’s climate ambitions.
The GPA, which has been attempting to find an affordable location to operate from for over two years, said its latest option has fallen through and directors have taken the decision to shut down.
The charity saves tonnes of waste materials from landfill every year, with the scrap re-used by other groups.
Project co-ordinator Sarah Paterson told the Glasgow Times: “The GPA family are totally devastated that after championing reuse, recycle and repurpose for 39 years, way before it was even a ‘thing’, we are now having to close our doors for the final time.
“We are very disappointed that, despite all of our efforts, Glasgow City Council were unable to see the bigger picture of what our small charity actually does and what we have achieved, contributing to their environmental policies and net zero aims.
“They were unable to find us a permanent home and instead passed us onto City Property to try and achieve this.
“The knock-on effect of GPA closure is that many more tonnes of items will now find their way directly to landfill and make it more difficult for GCC to achieve their net zero aims.”
Sarah added: “We had been looking at a potential property which would have been ideal. It needed quite a lot of work and we were in negotiations with regards to rent, but it was not financially viable.
“Another temporary move would be both physically and financially draining, so it is just not possible. We have exhausted all avenues.”
The charity was given a six-month extension as closure looked likely, but the decision has now been finalised.
The charity opened in 1984, and has since worked with almost 800 businesses and more than 13,000 individuals and groups in accessing recycled materials.
The Glasgow Times reports that it has supported 24,500 volunteers and saved more than 200 tonnes of waste from going to landfill since it started weighing items in 2009.
The GPA also runs a community room providing “pre-loved household items, clothes, shoes and toys” at cheaper prices.
A statement from the GPA board thanked “the people of Bridgeton, who welcomed us and supported us from the first day we opened in Muslin Street, our fantastic donators and funders, Scottish Labour Councillor for the Calton ward, Cecilia O’Lone, Gordon Smith from City Properties for his continued help and support and Spectrum Properties for agreeing to rent out Muslin Street, which gave us an extra 21 months.”
It added: “A very special mention goes to Sarah, who has been involved with GPA for 26 years, Margaret who has been involved with GPA for 38 years and Jim who has been involved for 20 years. Without their drive, dedication, knowledge and continued support GPA would not be what it is today.”
