A CHARITY shop, one of only five remaining in the UK, and one that has helped raise almost £100,000 is to close.

After more than 20 years’ trading in the town campaigners for Macmillan Cancer Support have reluctantly concluded that the shop has no long term future.

Philip Roberts, from The Redditch and District Committee of the charity, said it was disappointing.

"We have experienced a gradual decline in income from the shop over the last four years, due mainly to the declining retail footfall on Unicorn Hill," he said.

"Also, a number of our fantastic shop volunteers, who have run the shop for many years, are now retiring, and like other organisations, we have found it very difficult to find replacements.

"On top of all this, the Redditch shop is one of only five remaining in the UK, and after a careful review of the options, Macmillan have decided to focus their resources on other areas of fundraising."

Over the years, the shop has played a vital part in the community.

It has provided an outlet for good quality recycled clothing, a source of goods for local people to purchase, and has also made a huge contribution to the cash raised by the Redditch and District Committee since its founding over 20 years ago.

Last year alone the committee, established more than 20 years ago by Alan and Pat Lipscomb, together with the first Macmillan nurse in Worcestershire Ida Parkinson, raised £68,000 with the shop contributing £22,000.

Mr Roberts added: “The whole committee is disappointed that we find it necessary to close the shop, but we will continue our other fundraising efforts and find new ways to keep supporting this fantastic charity.

"We want to thank all our loyal customers, local tradespeople who have provided services, and of course, our volunteer managers and staff who have run the shop over many years.”

The shop will close its doors for the last time on March 31