'It's disgusting': Charity manager blasts 'minority' dumping outside Hebden Bridge store

Helen Nice, 56, who is the area manager for TIA Greyhound and Lurcher Rescue charity shops across Yorkshire, said she was “disgusted” by the contents of bags left on the doorstep of stores.

Some items, which had been left outside the shop for weeks, included used cleaning sponges and chipped cups, which Ms Nice described as “rubbish fit for the bin”.

She said: “During the coronavirus lockdown I would expect this minority of people to have more common sense.

“Our charity shops only re-opened last week, but throughout lockdown I’ve had to fill and ask for our skip to be removed three times since March.

“We’ve not brought in any income because we’ve been shut, but it costs around £1,000 to remove the skip each time.”

In response, Ms Nice is asking for donors to consider whether certain items would sell in the shop.

She said: “I’m truly grateful to those who provide us with donations, but the best advice I can give is to ask yourself: would I buy that? If not, then throw it away.

“Our workers have been on furlough and it’s not their job to come to the shop to clean up other people’s mess.

“I would say 70 per cent of people’s donations aren’t acceptable to resell. Unfortunately, a lot of it is rubbish fit for the bin.

“I understand people’s frustrations during lockdown, but it’s not fair to dump rubbish on our doorstep.

“We’re here to help feed and raise money for animals.

“It’s not acceptable.”