THIEVES have forced Barnsley Hospice to permanently close the shed where people leave donations for its charity shops - but managers are determined the new donation centre taking its place will prove even more successful.
The shed at the back of the hospice used to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and people could go along whenever they liked to leave donations.
But after dozens of thefts and even the discovery of a drunk sleeping in there, management decided to start locking it at night, and last year reduced its opening hours to reduce theft.
The problems have persisted and this week the shed closed for good.
“It’s been a very difficult decision we’ve had to take,” said retail manager Barbara Cronin. “We were worried it might upset people who donate to us regularly.”
Read more in this weeks Barnsley Chronicle
