Paddington animator opposes art shop closure
Sheila GraberAn animator known for her work on the 1980s Paddington TV show has said the proposal to close a shop in a cultural venue would impact other artists.
Sheila Graber said the shop at The Word in South Shields was the only place where people could buy souvenirs from local artists across South Tyneside.
The proposed closure was outlined in South Tyneside Council's medium-term financial plan for 2026-2031, which will go before the full council on 26 February.
In January, a spokesperson for South Tyneside Council said the council currently had to subsidise the shop and that it needed to make savings to support other services.
The medium-term financial plan, which included proposed savings of £11.8m, was unanimously approved by the Labour cabinet last week.
Graber, who has been granted the freedom of South Tyneside in recognition of her work, said she sells some of her creations at the shop in The Word for charity.
LDRS"It supports the arts in the widest sense," Graber said, adding there were 55 artists supported by the shop as well as numerous local authors.
More than 1,000 people have signed a petition and Graber has been given a deadline of 12 February to get it to a councillor before it is put forward at the next meeting.
"I'm aware they have to have cuts, I know all of that, but I think come on, why is it the arts that always gets the chop," Graber said.
The council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service it was exploring a range of alternative models, including renting the space out and allowing pop-ups to operate from there.
Another suggestion was to work with local creatives or partners.
"This is new territory for the council, and we're open to innovative ideas that could keep the space vibrant while reducing the cost to the public purse," a spokesperson said.
Alongside the shop closure, the local authority has proposed The Word could close on Sundays.
Meanwhile, Cleadon Park library could also see reduced hours.
Graber said: "Hopefully if they've got any heart for Shields and for Shields people, they will please not close the shop and find other ways of saving money."
South Tyneside Council has been approached for comment.
