Charity shop fly-tipping a 'real concern'

Unsellable items including sofas, beds and TVs have been left outside a charity shop

A hospice charity in Wiltshire says fly-tipping outside its retail shops is becoming "a real concern".

Three sofas, two beds, three TVs and one sideboard, all unsellable, were this week dumped outside the Dorothy House Hospice Care shop in Melksham.

The shop's manager said it was happening on a regular basis but this was "by far the worst example".

The charity said it was a "clear case of littering on a large scale" and "not a donation left in good faith".

'Devastating'

James McDonald, the director of retail for the Winsley-based charity, said: "We have to dispose of it because of the obstruction, health and safety issues and fire risk.

"With the firework season just around the corner the mix of a stray firework and a bone-dry mattress could be devastating.

"We are extremely grateful for everyone who donates items to Dorothy House, our shops rely on their generosity, but wilful fly-tipping is not just unhelpful, it could be downright dangerous."

The charity said there were clear signs outside all of its retail shops for people to only leave donations during shop hours, when there are staff available.