FEARS that a new charity shop will be the "kiss of death" to Upton-upon-Severn have been raised by traders.

At a meeting with senior figures from St Richard's Hospice last week, many traders spoke out about the number of charity shops in the area.

Nick Hannah, the owner of chocolate makers' Cromwells and interior design firm Hannah and Company, said he supported the hospice's work but described charity shops as "disgraceful."

"I always think a charity shop coming to any town is the kiss of death," he said.

"Malvern is full of charity shops in prime locations."

Others complained about the charity shop's lower overheads - it pays 20 per cent of business rates and is staffed by volunteers - giving them an unfair advantage.

St Richard's Hospice financial director Barney Price said the Worcester-based charity needed £100,000 a month to fund its work.

He said all money raised would be spent on patients in the area and pointed out that, in the past, Upton patients had been subsidised by money raised elsewhere.