A MUM-OF-FOUR has been threatened with social services after her son, 11, set up a stall in the street to earn extra pocket money.
Stacey Warwick encouraged Joshua Burgess to start selling some old toys online after a clear-out.
But Josh decided that he’d take a more direct approach, setting up a table on the pavement near their home.
However, some locals became concerned for Josh, even threatening to get the authorities involved because he was out in cold weather.
Yet Stacey, 34, said she couldn’t be more proud of her enterprising son, and says that he’s keeping the shop running and is going from strength to strength.
She said: “Joshua set up his little business when he was having a clear-out of all his old belongings – old tracksuits, teddies and computer games.
“He was actually going to throw them away, but this child has the most expensive of things.
“He has Build-a-Bear teddies, North Face, and Nike tracksuits.
“I said to him that he could make a little money back on these items, he could sell them on Vinted or eBay.
“But instead he said, ‘Actually mum, I could sell them near the car wash as it’s always busy’.”
Stacey, of Rochdale, Gtr Mancs added: “I agreed as the car wash is on our street and I can actually see him from my front door.
“He tried for the first few days and made over £100.
“He sold everything he had.”
Then, Josh decided to increase his offering.
Stacey – also mum to Alex, 14, Daisy, 10, and five-year-old Willow Rae – said: “He took it up a step and started making homemade cupcakes, and cookies and making up his own sweet bags with the money he had already earned.
“From the money he earns he always saves himself £30 to go out and buy things new so that he constantly has things to sell.
“He also goes to charity shops and buys lots of damaged teddies, then he brings them home for me to fix, sew, and wash.
“With the rest of the money he makes, he likes to buy himself new tracksuits, he is always treating his brothers and sisters, buying them hot chocolates on the way to school.”
That kid is going to be a millionaire, his hard work ethic for whatever reason shows his character.”
Kathy McKenzie
But one local wrote: “Maybe Social Services should be informed, just to make sure he is okay.”
Another said: “Has anyone contacted childcare services with their concerns?”
Someone else claimed: “Breaks my heart he’s out in all weathers, he was out at like 7 am once said his mum was still sleeping.
“He’s such a little gem.”
A fellow local added: “I see him every weekend no matter what the weather, I hope he and his family are okay.”
But Stacey said: “The negative comments were appalling and quite laughable, with some saying that Joshua has been out at 7 am in the rain.
“I assure you now there is no truth in this.
“The negative comments have only made Joshua more determined to carry his little shop on.
I don’t see any harm in Joshua wanting extra things in life and he is going out earning it the right way.”
Stacey Warwick
“He’s a very independent 11-year-old who will get up at 8 am to go out and sell things, he interacts amazingly with adults and is such a clever young man.”
“He is just trying to earn extra cash for the expensive things he likes.
“He buys himself £50 worth of Roblox every week for his computer.
“He earns the money himself, so I have no issues with this.
“I don’t see any harm in Joshua wanting extra things in life and he is going out earning it the right way and not staying in 24/7 on the computer or going out mugging people or smashing windows!”
Other locals were full of praise.
Kathy McKenzie said: “That kid is going to be a millionaire, his hard work ethic for whatever reason shows his character.
“He’ll be able to take on anything as he grows and seems more of a provider for his family than many of Rochdale I grew up around.
“Well done to you young man.”
Neil Porter added: “We pulled up last week, had a chat with the young chap, and bought something off him, it was dark, wet & cold.
“He said he was ‘saving up for fun’ If he keeps that work ethic up he will go far.”
Amar Adam Hussein said: “He’s going to make an absolute killing next time he sets his stall out.
“Good on you, young fella.”
Stacey added: “People also come and donate things for him to sell, clothing, curtains, toys, Lego, DVDs, CDs.
“The list is endless.
“It was so nice to read all the really positive comments, but the negative comments went in one ear and out the other, as I know my children are well looked after and safe.
“Joshua is my amazing little boy, and I couldn’t be more proud of what he’s doing.
“He has loved the attention and the responses, making many more sales since the post went viral.
“He’s keeping the shop going and has restocked.”
