THE Boat House Gift Shop and gallery have gone back to one shop on Monnow Street. They are leaving their premises in the Old Way Centre.

The owner of the artisan and craft store, Jenny Chuter, said this was because the shop wasn’t accessible for everyone and it didn’t meet their aim of ‘Art for All’.

“We’ve loved being in the Oldway Centre it was a really good location and we had lovely neighbours but the layout of the shop wasn’t very practical,” said Jenny.

“A lot of our customers couldn’t get up the stairs so we’re trying to promote Art for All and if everybody can’t get up the stairs, then it’s not very fair on those that can’t.”

They have ended the contract at The Oldway Centre, and for the time being, they are staying in their other shop on Monnow Street until they can find another shop on the high street which is accessible for everyone, allowing the local community to enjoy the shop’s unique arts, crafts and gifts they have to offer.

The Boat House Gift Shop and Gallery sell items from jewellery, scarfs and accessories to soaps and candles and much more, all of which are produced locally by artists in and around the surrounding area.

Despite not having the shop in The Oldway Centre, there is still one in Tintern and on Monnow Street in Monmouth where the community can shop for presents and gifts for their loved ones.

Both of the shops were flooded after Storm Claudia, but with the hard work from staff members and volunteers in the community, they have come back stronger than ever proving that independent shops on the high street aren’t going anywhere and are now ready to start another chapter in their journey.