Paddington animator helps save local art shop

Sheila Graber, who is best known for animating the iconic 1980s Paddington TV series, has been successful in her efforts to prevent the closure of an art shop inside The Word in South Shields. South Tyneside Council initially planned to close the shop and as well as close The Word completely on Sundays.

Graber said the shop was one of the only places giving local artists the opportunity to sell souvenirs. She emphasized the shop's broad impact, noting that it provides a vital platform for numerous local authors and 55 featured creators. "It supports the arts in the widest sense," she stated.

Over 1,000 people signed a petition (written by Graber) in protest to the closure and the council quickly took heed. In less than a week, the council backtracked on their proposal and have decided to keep the shop open. Council leader Tracey Dixon said, "Given the additional funding we have secured through sustained lobbying, we are able to adjust these specific proposals,"

"It supports the arts in the widest sense"

Sheila Graber

The council had originally planned the closure as part of a broad range of budget cuts to local governments, with South Tyneside planning to save £11.8m in the coming year. The cost of keeping the shop open was estimated by the council to be £150,000.