South Shields laundry service nominated for award

A South Shields based laundry service is finally being recognised for their hard work and dedication, with news that they have been nominated for a Pride of South Tyneside award.

West Walpole Community Laundry uses commercial laundry equipment to handle the laundry of many of South Shields’ elderly and disabled residents, and has been doing so for the past 20 years.

The service, which is run by local lady Josie Barr, has 13 dedicated members of staff, and has over a thousand customers, who can have their laundry washed and ironed for a mere £5.

West Walpole Community Laundry made such a fantastic impression on service user Alan Blackett, that he decided to nominate it for the award. He explained:

 "It really does deserve an award. There is a very small charge of just £5, and the washing comes back beautifully folded and
ironed.

"Even when South Shields was hit with awful weather, the two delivery drivers came through.

"The whole service has hearts of gold, they're so kind and the washing is never late."

Ms Barr said that the nomination was a great way of raising morale, particularly as last month it was revealed that the service may face the chop, as South Tyneside council are looking for ways to cut costs.