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Neats Court, Queenborough: Cancer Research UK says it is moving into retail park

12:00, 31 January 2016

There is confusion about who is moving into the last remaining unit at Neats Court.

Cancer Research UK is advertising online for volunteers to staff a new store for second-hand clothes at Unit 5 of the Queenborough retail park. It is seeking shop assistants and a person to sift through donated goods.

However, site developer LXB Properties say this is not the case as it is in talks with different national retailers to move in.

The empty unit next to Poundland
The empty unit next to Poundland

Cancer Research UK spokesman Lynn Daly said: “We are looking forward to moving into Queenborough and being part of the community there.”

If true, the news is likely to come as a blow to those who were hoping the retail park was holding out for a more upmarket business.

It already has a Poundland, The Original Factory outlet shop, B&M Bargains, Sports Direct and Iceland.

Discount clothes and homes funishing store Pep & Co is opening in the spring. There is no date for Cancer Research’s opening.

The empty unit which Cancer Research says it is moving into
The empty unit which Cancer Research says it is moving into

But Lynn said: “Once the shop opens, we will be asking people to help stock it by clearing out their wardrobes and cupboards and bringing us good-quality items.

“Each bag of clothes donated is potentially worth up to £30 – even more if our supporters sign up for Gift Aid.”

She said the shop will sell good-quality clothes, shoes, accessories, household items, books, CDs, DVDs and greeting cards.

She added: “We are looking for volunteers to help man the shop. Flexible hours are available.” As a charity shop, it will be exempt from paying business rates.

Giles Haywood, of LXB Properties
Giles Haywood, of LXB Properties

However, Giles Haywood, of developers LXB Properties, said on Friday: “As far as we are concerned the unit is definitely still on the market.

"We are in discussions with several national retailers and when we have agreed terms we will be in a position to let people know who will be taking the space.”

The advert for volunteer says applicants must have good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to get along with people.

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