A charity shop that was not making enough money has undergone a revamp to secure its future.

The Watford Mencap charity shop in St Albans Road is currently not making enough money for the charity.

But rather than closing down the store, the shop has been redesigned, with staff and volunteers given extra training to try to turn things around.

Jane Pattinson, chief executive of Watford Mencap, said: “At a time when we are facing funding challenges, we have reviewed all our activities to ensure they are meeting their goals and this includes our two charity shops in Bushey and Watford.

“The sad reality is that at the moment the Watford shop is not making enough money to be able to cover its overheads and to generate income for our charity.”

In future the shop will focus on higher quality goods sold at a better price.

Watford Mencap supports more than 800 people with a learning disability in Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere. It also gives people with learning difficulties the chance to volunteer at its shops.

Ms Pattinson added: “We really value the charity shop because it provides us with a presence in Watford and means we can offer supported volunteering opportunities for six people with a learning disability, which in some cases may lead to paid employment."

Sheila, a volunteer at the shop, said if the shop were to close it would be a tragedy to the community.

She said: “There’s a diverse community that uses the shop and the people with disabilities that work here gain a lot of confidence and experience to be able to go on to paid jobs.

“Everyone relies on this little shop. People travel from all over the place to come here. We’ve got good quality stock at a low price.”

The shop will formally reopen on Friday, January 15.

It is also looking for additional volunteers. Anybody interested should Call 01923 713627 or visit the website www.watfordmencap.org.uk/support_us/volunteering.