Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary shop reopens in Witney after month long closure

A parade ventured down Corn Street towards the Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary (OAS) shop to celebrate its reopening.

The store was then officially opened by the town crier.

James Ray, retail development manager for OAS, said: “It was absolutely heaving, there must've been around a hundred people in and around the shop.

“We got good vibes back from the volunteers and it was great to see the loyalty expressed by our customers.

“We raised a lot more awareness of the work we do so that was a major positive as well.

“The parade made a lot of noise and the town crier was shouting about so it was really good fun for everyone involved.”

Read also: Police in '3 hour stand off' in Witney

The charity have four stores across Oxfordshire.

Witney’s premises had been closed for refurbishments.

Mr Ray added: “This is the first part of a process of redeveloping all of our stores.

“We’re trying to make them all aesthetically pleasing and feel more like an actual retail shop.

“As well as this, we’re looking to create a safer working environment for our staff.

“The developments in Witney have been done entirely through a donated fund with volunteers and free labour helping to get the necessary work done.

“We’ve also made the Witney store more accessible by widening the aisles.

“People were really patient and come to see what’s going been on, so it’s been great to have the full support and backing of the community.”

See more: Greggs opening in Cornmarket Street, Oxford

Lynnet Brook, the Witney store’s assistant manager, added: “We've been closed since mid October but people have been understanding about the work.

“We have upcycled all of our furniture and it’s got a new lick of paint.

“It looks really good, everyone has worked really hard to get this done.”

The sanctuary take in and care for unwanted animals, mostly cats, dogs, rabbits and goats.

The majority of cats the sanctuary look after are elderly and in need of a loving home.

Dogs are taken to therapists on first admittance to help them deal with their differing behavioural issues.

A current popular member with staff at the sanctuary is Ben, a horse who suffers from epilepsy.

Since 1967, the sanctuary has provided over 25,000 forever homes for unwanted animals, with over 500 animals being admitted and rehomed every year.

The sanctuary's shops are dog friendly with pooches more than welcome to visit and pick up a bargain.

The charity is completely donor funded and rely on the public giving food and bedding for the animals.

To find out more about the incredible work done by the team at OAS, visit their website at: oxfordshireanimalsanctuary.org.uk