Baby firms step in to help new mums; VICTIMS OF PRAM SHOP'S DEMISE OFFERED A MASSIVE BOOST.

Byline: By ADAM JUPP Chief Reporter

FAMILIES hit by the demise of a Tyneside pram firm have been thrown a lifeline.

The Chronicle told how the Newcastle Pram and Nursery Company crashed, leaving hundreds of families in the lurch.

Mums-to-be told how they had paid cash up front for goods they would receive in the future in a savings card-style scheme.

But after the Byker-based business went into voluntary liquidation they stood to lose all their money and not receive the products they ordered.

Many had been forced to fork out a second time as their due dates loomed, as administrators warned there was no cash to refund them.

Now, two business bosses have stepped in to give stricken former customers special deals.

BabyStyle UK is offering to help those hit by the problem. The firm supplied goods to the Newcastle Pram and Nursery Company and lost pounds 7,500 when it went into administration.

Managing director Andy Crane says he wants to do all he can to help those affected and who had ordered BabyStyle goods. He said: "We want those who ordered goods to get in touch with us.

"We will supply them with their products at cost. In some cases, the installments they had outstanding will cover it, in other cases, we will need a small fee to cover it. We are not making any money on it at all and in some cases we will be losing money because of the shipping costs.

"We have had a lot of people on the phone to us and their spirit has been fantastic, which is what we would expect from the region."

The Newcastle Pram and Nursery Company was placed in voluntary liquidation on February 28. Scores of customers told how they had seen a notice of the store, on Shields Road, saying it was closed due to illness.

But the Chronicle investigated and learned it had crashed, with bosses blaming a boom in internet shopping sites for its demise.

Another firm, the Toddle In store, on High Street East, in Wallsend, was set up by Kevin and Lynn Lancaster when they had their second child and realised the huge costs involved.

The aim of the business was to sell second-hand baby goods, as well as new ones at cost price, and Kevin and Lynn are urging families to get in touch so they can save a few pounds.

Lynn, 35, said: "I was distraught to hear about what happened to Newcastle Pram and Nursery Company because I know a lot of people will be suffering.

"We sell things as cheaply as we can and often that means half price in comparison to other shops and we are happy to let people pay bits off here and there."

Lynn, who has Lauren, two, and Oliver, three months, added: "I would urge people to ring us and tell us what they want and we will see if we can fix them up with something."

Lynn also wants to make families aware there are means-tested grants available for expectant mums through Sure Start centres.

To contact Toddle In, call [phone], and to contact BabyStyle UK, call [phone].

CAPTION(S):

HELPING MUMS: Lynn Lancaster from Toddle In, with son Oliver PICTURE: ANDY COMMINS www.icNewcastle.co.uk/buyaphoto ref: 01274237; CLOSED DOWN: Newcastle Pram and Nursery Centre