A GIFT shop selling handcrafted goods made by Redditch artists has managed to avoid closure – for now.
The much loved Britten House Craft Gallery had been served noticed to quit by its landlord, Britten Street Hub Community Interest Company.
The shutters had been earmarked to come down on the business, run by Marie and Franco Frascina, in the first week of January.
However solicitors acting for the couple stepped in to defend their right to stay.
“It means we are very much open for business,” said Marie.
“The CIC recognised our legal right not to be evicted and for us it’s a fantastic result.
“It means all the workshops we do here can continue and we have also received new handcrafted stock from many new artists.”
The couple show case the work of up to 40 artists and hold regular art classes for vulnerable people.
They had originally been ordered to quit by December 31, 2017 but this was then extended to January 8, 2018.
The couple have invested heavily in the building, putting more money into the business and spending £4,000 improving the reception area of the building.
“We’d like to thank everyone for their support in what has been a very difficult time for us,” said Marie.
“So many people wrote letters and sent emails on our behalf and we are very grateful for everything they did.”
The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
Forthcoming workshops are Glass Fusing on January 20 and a Power Tex workshop on January 27 with more on the way.
Wednesday morning crocheting classes are also continuing. For more information, call 07793 394825 or visit the gallery on Facebook.
