They’re true soap stars!
A Stirling laundrette has opened its doors free of charge to help the vulnerable during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Furloughed staff recognised a pressing need for residents with no access to a washing machine and have offered their services.
Bob and Dorothy Bedford own Fresh‘n’ Clean on Stirling’s Barnton Street but were forced to temporarily close the shop, and their other Stirling laundrette Thirty Degrees, due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Bob was approached by two members of staff at Fresh‘n’Clean worried about customers.
The Bedfords set about seeing if they could open the laundry’s doors on a Saturday morning for those in dire need.
Bob said he felt terrible he could not pay them but if he did they would not get their furlough. Kind-hearted Mandy Johnston and Angela Neilson insisted they did not want paid.
Bob said:“We never thought the uptake would be as much as what it is.”
Mandy said:“A lot of our customers just do not have a washing machine or they are broken - it’s a long time to go without a washing machine.”
The ladies give any money that customers pay to Women’s Aid.”
And when Mylene Herd from The Haven project, run by Stirling Baptist Church, heard about it, she immediately got in touch. The project at the Top of the Town normally runs a wide range of activities and programmes but realised they could now offer an alternative service helping people with their washing.
Mylene said:“It’s an invaluable service. I take it down and they wash and dry it.
“Folk are really grateful. People are in emergency accommodation, their washing machine’s broken or they have trouble drying their washing.”
Mylene was even able to help someone who had coronavirus symptoms.
A Stirling Council spokesperson said:“We are delighted and overwhelmed by the response of our communities in what are very challenging times.
“They are a shining example of people who are prepared to go the extra mile to take care of those in need and we are grateful for everything they, and everyone involved in the response to the Covid-19 pandemic, have done.”