CHARITY shops that have fallen on hard times face the axe because of soaring rent increases or lack of volunteers.

The LIFE and Mind Alive stores in Weymouth may be forced to close their doors after the resort's main Oxfam store also shut down after 23 years.

LIFE regional co-ordinator Joyce Fannon manages 10 volunteers at the shop as well as the counselling and pregnancy advisory service in Great George Street.

Mrs Fannon, 63, of Buckland Ripers, said: "The rent is £11,500 but has just been increased by £3,000.

"The shop is really a means to an end that pays for the upkeep of the LIFE care centre. We are not criticising the landlord because he kept our rent low for 13 years.

"But we have to face the fact we only have enough reserves to keep us going for another 18 months.

"We've had kind donations and grants from community groups and churches, but that's not enough.

"We have to come up with more money somehow."

Elsewhere, Tricia Koslow fears a lack of helpers could lead to the closure of Mind Alive shops which have been trading in Queen Street and Crescent Street for more than 20 years.

Mrs Koslow, 50, of Weymouth, is secretary of the Mind Alive charity that tackles mental health issues.

She said: "Trying to keep the shops open is not working at all.

"In fact, two volunteers have just left. It's a big blow and we are just not fetching in the money.

"We need five extra helpers for steaming, cashing up and working in the tea room. They would only have to work two hours a day.

"They get a 50 per cent discount and can come on all our day trips."

Widespread

The president of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce and Industry said charity shops faced closure everywhere, not just in Weymouth.

David Beaman added: "These are worrying times, although I do not want to paint a bleak outlook.

"Traders are worried business in town is not as buoyant as it could be and it seems like the final nail in the coffin for charity shops.

"They have a role in the local economy and it would be sad to see them all disappear."

Ring LIFE on 01305 761126 or Mind Alive on 789628 to help.