COMMUNITY cafe Momo's is set to finally pick up the keys on their new venue, but is calling for residents' left over paint and DIY skills to make it happen.

The Cotham Street venue, which hosted regular workshops and events, had to close in November due to regular flooding.

However, the public rallied behind owner Claire Rigby weeks before Christmas, raising funds for her in the short term and coming up with a plan to save the business going forward.

Now after a lot of hard work and support from the community, Claire is set to take over the former Dali bar on Westfield Street, most recently Bonkers Bar and Prep Boxx, and has raised the funds for the deposit.

But now Claire is calling on residents not to donate funds, but rather go into their lofts and sheds and pull out their old tubs of paint to help her redecorate.

Mum-of-one Claire, said: "Last year I worked myself to the bone building Momo's from the ground up and when everything fell apart I felt broken...until the St Helens community supported me right back.

"With their help Momo's is rising from the ashes, I'm picking up the keys next week on the new Momo's after we raised the money needed for the deposit, but it needs completely repainting.

"The part that was Bonkers is painted completely black, so anyone with any colour paint please get in touch.

"Also is anyone can spare a weekend to help paint it would be so appreciated"

The new Momo's will have three rooms, an events room, cafe and sensory playroom as well as offices and storage for other goods.

Claire aims to not only host the myriad of groups she has before such as the wellbeing, autism and knitting groups, but also be established as a training centre for people with special educational needs in partnership with the Coalition for Disabled People, Mill Green School and Carmel College.

The venue will also have a disabled toilet and adult changing facilities.

  •  To donate to the fundraising page to raise funds for the deposit and further renovation and redecoration costs go to bit.ly/momoscafe
  • To donate paint or to get in touch with Claire email momoscoffeeshop@gmail.com