Scrapstore charity in Wells loses its council funding

A charity in Somerset is warning that it could be forced to close after losing its council funding.

Gems Scrapstore in Wells receives £10,000 a year from Mendip District Council but has been told the money is being withdrawn.

Manager Laura Kavanagh said: "If we can't find replacement funding we won't be able to continue as we are now."

The charity collects waste materials from local businesses which are then used for arts, education and play.

Ms Kavanagh added: "We weren't expecting to have 100% of our funding cut for the final year.

"There had been notification that we were facing potential cuts but we didn't expect it to be the full amount.

"We were possibly anticipating a 50% reduction in the final year award, so this is quite a shock to us actually."