A WOOD recycling project is facing the chop.

From its workshop in Brighton’s Elder Place, The Wood Store has collected, reused and recycled waste timber for 21 years.

The small not-for-profit project has stopped 830 tonnes of wood from going to landfill – more than the weight of four blue whales.

But it has been told it must leave its present site by the end of next month to make way for new offices and flats.

Now, the owners are looking for a new home.

They fear this branch of the national Community Wood Recycling Network could be stumped if they can’t find a suitable new workshop.

And they said they may have to make redundancies.

Manager Steve Bannatyne said: “The project is in a state of flux through no fault of our own. The premises we currently occupy are due for redevelopment and our lease is up so we have to leave.

“We really need to find a new home straight away and we hope someone somewhere knows where that might be.”

The owners are looking for a light industrial workshop

with some office space in Brighton.

Steve said: “There is in interim plan for relocation to a bolthole in Ringmer, which will be put in place if nowhere is found quickly.

“But this is far from ideal. It restricts retail potential and access, and involves making some unwanted redundancies.

“It is hoped that they will be kept to an absolute minimum and anyone who is made redundant will return to work at the organisation once it is back up and running in a suitable new home.”

The project has prevented 414 tonnes of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere, and prevents imported timber, which may not come from sustainable forests – from being used.

Steve said: “Those who are taken on by the organisation learn new skills, improve their self-esteem and confidence.”

The group has launched a campaign called Save The Wood Store and it has gained the support of Brighton Green MP Caroline Lucas who has stepped in to support its efforts.

She said: “The project is a fantastic example of a social enterprise really making a difference in our city.

“This not-for-profit aims to protect our environment by saving and reusing resources while helping to change lives by providing jobs, training and volunteering opportunities for local people.

“The project has rightly been recognised for its innovative business approach and for helping vulnerable people into work.

“On previous visits to the Wood Store, I’ve seen first-hand the contribution they make to waste reduction through turning old off-cuts of wood into beautiful furniture, all made from recycled materials.

“I hope everyone can get behind their campaign to find a new home.”

If you can help, contact The Wood Store on 01273 570 500 or at info@woodrecycling.org.uk.