The Dogs Trust (known to older people under its previous name as The National Canine Defence League) have taken a lease on one of the empty Hilliers’ yard shops – Retail Unit A formerly occupied by Acceler8.
When the cycle and motor accessories shop Acceler8 closed in August, the premises were on the market for £240,000 freehold or at an annual lease of £20,000. Business rates were quoted at about £8,831, but as a registered charity Dogs Trust will probably pay 20 per cent of that figure.
The charity’s “mission is to bring about the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.”
Every year the Trust cares for about 16,000 dogs at their nationwide network of 19 rehoming centres: “No healthy dog is ever destroyed.”
The Trust already runs fifteen charity shops. They each have a paid manager and assistant manager. And for other staff they 
rely on volunteers: volunteer@dogstrustcharityshops.org.uk
It is expected their shop in Hilliers’ Yard will open in late November.
[NOTE: The Dogs Trust really does have no apostrophe in its name.]
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