STAFF at a Redditch charity shop are frustrated and worried about rats as people continue to leave donations behind their rubbish bins.

Team members at the Salvation Army shop, on Evesham Road in Crabbs Cross, have issued a plea after donations have been stacking up outside the store on weekends.

They fear that the build up of dumped donations could lead to a rat problem and have put up signs urging members of the public to stop leaving items.

Although dry items left outside can be used by the charity, items that have been soaked by rain have to be thrown away. The emptying of bins comes at a cost to the charity and they are also conscious of how much ends up at a landfill site.

People have been leaving boxes and bags filled with clothes, DVDs, brick-a-brack and bedding behind the bins.

"You name it, we've had it," assistant manager Cheryl Lochlin said.

"It's really frustrating when we come in on a Monday and we see donations stacked up high. We are worried about rats as well.

"We have got labels saying please don't leave donations when we are closed."

People are welcome to make a donation on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 12 noon, when a donation station is set up at the front of the shop.