Thornton jigsaw library brings joy to residents in lockdown

Chelley Thompson, 46, of Connaught Drive in Thornton, said she had noticed a trend in local Facebook groups whereby Wyre residents were discussing jigsaws.

She noticed there were conversations around the increased prices of jigsaws and puzzles, prompting her to have the brainwave of setting a swapping system up for her neighbours to enjoy.

Mrs Thompson, an area sales manager, set up her own Facebook group, "Jigsaw Library Thornton, Poulton and around," and bought a miniature greenhouse to keep the boxes outside her house for people to collect and swap.

Chelley said: "I'd noticed on Facebook that a few people were asking for jigsaws to swap, and I thought it'd be something nice to do for the community.

"We were very kindly donated some from a local lady whose mother had recently passed away, and someone has dropped off about 50 jigsaws too.

"The group has started off some really lovely communication between people, and it grew from around 38 members to over 150 overnight.

"I put out hand sanitiser and wipes too, so anyone who visits knows it's all safe."

The majority of the donated jigsaws starting off Chelley's library came from former Blackpool Mayoress Barbara Hardy, who died in December.

Her daughter Suzanne Shrewsbury donated Barbara's jigsaws to the library, for other Wyre residents to enjoy.

On its first day on Monday, eight people visited the jigsaw library, with a further eight visiting yesterday.

The Facebook group stands at nearly 200 members just days after it was created.

"I'm so pleased," Chelley continued.

"I feel all warm and fuzzy. I'm so grateful to everyone who has been to support this venture."

The jigsaw library is available on the corner of Connaught Drive every day between 10am and 4pm, for residents to collect and swap puzzles.