ALTON’S Cardiac Rehab charity shop on Market Street will re-open next week more than three months after water pipes in the flat above burst, sending water cascading through the ceiling and into the shop below.

While it was a disaster for the town-based charity, at no time did supporters believe the ensuing damage would take so long to fix. The good news is that following extensive drying of the ancient walls, removal of ceilings and plaster, re-fixing and redecorating, the shop is now ready to re-open.

Grateful thanks have been expressed to Alton’s Mens Shed for their help in refurbishing the front of the shop, and to everyone who has donated stock.

In urging people to support the re-opening from 10am next Tuesday, shop manager Angie Avis said: “We still need donations, not just for the opening but ongoing.”

General manager Mr Lovell added: “It has been a difficult time not being able to trade and not really knowing when repairs would be completed, but with the continued support of the community, the shop can continue to help raise funds for the Cardiac Rehab charity.”