Op shop shuts

by Carly Merrett

April 10, 2008

After 27 years of operation, the St Vincent de Paul op shop on Fremantle’s Wray Avenue, has closed due to occupational safety concerns.

“It was a very hard decision for the state council to make,” Vinnies state president Genevieve De Souza said. “It has been deemed inappropriate for retail use, and regrettably had to close immediately.”

Despite signs on the building’s doors saying the shop is shut, locals are still leaving donations above its cluttered mailbox.

Much dosh was needed for renovations if the Federation-era former bungalow was to meet  modern commercial standards, Ms De Souza said. Vinnies thought the money would be better spent on the ground, on disadvantaged people, she confirmed.