A WELL-KNOWN charity shop in Urmston is facing closure because of a severe staff shortage.

For the Imperial Cancer Research Fund shop on Station Road does not have enough volunteers to cover the shifts and it is desperately seeking help from local people.

The shop has raised a massive £330,000 since it opened ten years ago and shop manager Pam Parker believes it still has the potential to earn a lot more.

She said: "This shop has become a landmark in the town because we have been here for so long and have so many loyal customers and donators.

"Unfortunately we just don't seem to have enough volunteers to keep the shop open and it saddens me to think that we may have to close.

"We have a fantastic team of dedicated and hard-working people already but they are tied to particular shifts and cannot work on the days we need staff most - namely all day Thursday and Friday afternoons."

Pam says that any spare time that volunteers have on these days would mean the world to them and could stop the closure.

She went on: "Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to be over 50 and a woman to apply and because we know some people are nervous about applying - we are actually asking for help.

"It can be a lot of fun and a chance to meet new people as well as knowing that it is all helping in the fight against the killer disease."

Pam adds that it really is a desperate situation and if no-one answers the call, they will have really come to the end of the road.

She concluded: "Anyone who is at all interested can come in for a chat and a cup of tea at the shop at 16, Station Road or alternatively ring us on 746-8568.

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