SUE Ryder will close its charity shop in Chard because it is no longer financially viable, it has confirmed.

The charity said its Holyrood Street charity shop, which has been open for around 15 years, plans to shut for the last time at the end of the financial year when the current lease ends.

Its shops in Ilminster, Taunton, Honiton and Wellington will remain open with no plans to close. Area manager Jo Wood said it was no longer feasible to keep the Chard shop running.

She told the News: “It’s with much regret that we have to close this shop.

“Unfortunately, with the amount of work required to bring the shop to an acceptable level we wouldn’t get a good return on our investment.

“If the shop in Chard were to remain, Sue Ryder would have to divert money away from vital services providing incredible care for people with incurable illness.

“We must ensure that our funds are spent responsibly and with their interests at heart.

“We didn’t take the decision lightly to close this shop and we’ve undergone an extensive search to look for alternative properties in the local area, but unfortunatel, none were fit for purpose.

“We have enjoyed being a part of the community and are very sad to go.

“We’re doing everything we can to offer suitable, alternative employment for the staff, and we’d like to thank them and the volunteers for all their outstanding work and support for the charity.”