Volunteers in Macclesfield have been helping to put an end to throwaway culture.

Macclesfield Repair Café recently welcomed the Mayor of Macclesfield, councillor Emma Gilman, and local MP, Tim Roca.

The group were keen to showcase the benefits they bring both to local people and the environment.

Councillor Gilman watched on as items such as clothing, a rucksack, a hedge trimmer and a radio were given a new lease of life, later lending a hand building wooden planters.

"I was thrilled to be invited to the Macclesfield Repair Café to see the sorts of things they are asked to repair," she said.

"I was blown away by the amazing volunteers who have a wealth of knowledge that they share with visitors.

"I was particularly impressed with the inclusive nature and warm and friendly welcome that everyone who comes through the door receives.

"They even managed to teach me how to use a drill, and I made a snazzy planter!"

Councillor Gilman shows off her planter at the Macclesfield Repair Café (Credit: Macclesfield Repair Café)

The Repair Café is an international movement, with over 2,500 cafés worldwide.

Visitors bring a whole range of items to be repaired by a team of volunteers.

As of the end of 2024, they have saved over 37 Tonnes of CO2 and saved over 2,500 kg of goods from going to landfill, managing to repair 73% of items brought in.

During his visit earlier this month, Mr Roca signed the UK Repair and Reuse Declaration. 

Speaking to volunteers, he was keen to learn more about the environmental impact of their work.

Mr Roca said: "The Repair Café encourages us to be less wasteful, more hands-on, and to rethink our throwaway culture.

"If we're serious about tackling climate change and protecting our planet, every small action counts.

"What struck me most was the sense of community and people coming together not just to fix things, but to connect, share skills, and make new friends. It's a brilliant example of local action making a real difference."

Tim Roca signs the UK Repair and Reuse Declaration (Credit: Macclesfield Repair Café)

This UK Repair and Reuse Declaration, which already has the support of many MPs across the UK, asks the government to address key issues around repairability and allow consumers to see how easy goods are to fix before buying them.

To find out more about the Repair Café, check out maccrepaircafe.com or visit the café on the second Saturday of the month at the Macclesfield Community Centre on Duke Street.