End of an era as empty charity shop is cleared out after closing

A CHARITY shop has been cleared out after it closed its doors to the public earlier this month, marking the end of an era.

Photos show the charity shop at 17 St Swithin's Street in Worcester city centre was cleared out after it closed its doors.

The charity shop shut its doors after Scope was unable to renew its lease for the building.

It is the end of an era for dedicated volunteers, with some helping out at the store for 15 years.

Debbie Boylen, who is Scope's Head of Retail, said the charity was 'extremely sad' to be closing.

Earlier this month, the Worcester News reported Scope may move out of the building, which is owned by a private landlord, as the lease was up.

A consultation period took place on plans to leave the building, which closed on May 10, and colleagues and volunteers were informed of the decision shortly after.

Scope is a disability equality charity which provides practical information and emotional support and campaigns to create a fairer society.

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It has charity shops throughout England and Wales, with the next closest one to Worcester being 13 miles away at 25 Market Street in Stourbridge.

Scope charity shops sell clothes, books, CDs, DVDs and other bric-a-brac to raise much-needed cash for it to help those in need.

Ms Boylen added: “Our team in Worcester has really loved serving the community and we’d all like to thank the incredibly generous customers for their wonderful support over the years.

“While providing a valuable service to the local community, our shop's role is to raise vital funds so the charity can continue to provide vital support services for the country’s 16 million disabled people and their families."

The shop will be open between 9.30am and 5pm on Saturday for those who want to visit before it closes.