THE Deputy Mayor of Basingstoke showed that he is handy with a pair of scissors as he did the official opening honours at a clothing alterations and repair shop in town.

Councillor Dan Putty cut a ribbon to officially open The ZipYard, in Church Street on Monday.

The franchise business is owned by Jill and Gerald Phillips. The new business, which offers a wide range of alteration and tailoring services, is based in the former town centre offices of The Gazette.

Jill, who was made redundant as a credit controller last September, is delighted with the concept of the business, but it was only by chance that she came across The ZipYard – thanks to her husband’s visit to the doctors.

Gerald said: “I picked up a franchise magazine which had an article about The ZipYard. I read though it, thought it looked good and thought I’d mention it to Jill when I got home.”

The former City of London policeman, who works for Scottish and Southern Electric in Basingstoke, said: “We both looked at the dangers and what it was going to cost, and things like that, and we went to see a branch up in Altringham, spending a day there to learn more about what the business entails.”

Jill said: “It really appealed to us and we were very excited. We then decided to start looking for premises here in Basingstoke.”

“I liked this location from the start, and I felt at home here,” added Jill, explaining that busy Church Street, being close to Festival Place shopping centre, has good footfall.

The bright and airy smart shop comes complete with fittings rooms. Jill feels there is plenty of scope for the business and has employed two professional seamstresses, with plans to take on more as the business develops.

She said: “Not many people can sew any more – it’s a dying art. So we’re giving people the opportunity to come and repair clothing that otherwise might be left hanging in a wardrobe.

“And we’ll repair anything – so long as it goes through the sewing machines. We’ll do curtains, soft furnishings, obviously zips, patching – any alterations, and have already had people come in with hems needing attention, tears and shortening and letting clothes out.

“We also aim to turn things rounds within 48 hours, and we also offer a one-hour express service.”

Cllr Putty was impressed with what he saw and said he’d be using The ZipYard.

He added: “It is a new and unique store in Basingstoke. I am very pleased to be associated with this event as is the council, and we recognise the contribution businesses like this make to the economy of this town. I know that Jill and Gerald have worked very hard and I wish them every success.”