Touring the furniture /appliance workshops and Haslem's Lane showroom, Environment Minister Sammy Wilson today paid tribute to VSL's reuse projects.

During his visit, the Minister saw at first hand how furniture and electrical goods are refurbished to benefit the local community.

Mr Wilson said, "With the ongoing 'credit crunch' putting so much pressure on people's household budgets, VSL are providing useful goods that the local community can re-use. It manages a furniture restoration project which collects and restores unwanted items which can be sold at a low cost to those on low incomes. Not only is this of benefit to local people, it is also reducing unnecessary landfill at the same time.

I would urge everyone in the area with unwanted furniture and electrical goods to support this worthwhile and smart initiative which is providing tangible environmental and financial benefits to local people."