A HEARTBROKEN charity shop manager is devastated after the store was forced to close at short notice as the search continues for a new home. 

The RSPCA shop in Broad Street, Worcester, is expected to close either today (Wednesday) or tomorrow.

A closing-down sale has been taking place with customers browsing for last-minute bargains at the shop which provides vital funds for The Holdings in Holdings Lane, Kempsey, run by the Worcester and Mid Worcestershire Branch of the RSPCA.

The charity's main aim is to re-home animals within the area they cover - with the shops raising funds to support this mission. 

Worcester News: SORROW: The closing down sale at The Holdings RSPCA shop in Broad Street SORROW: The closing down sale at The Holdings RSPCA shop in Broad Street (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

The city shop is one of four supporting the charity's animal welfare work with other shops in Upton, Bromsgrove and an on-site shop at the rescue centre itself.

Sam Fredericks, 43, who has run the shop for the last eight months said they had been given four weeks' notice with the charity shop permitted to run at a reduced rent as a 'pop-up shop' until it was sold.

Mrs Fredericks, a mother of four, said the shop was originally supposed to run for three months but it remained open for three years.

"We totally transformed the shop and made it a success.

"It had the highest takings of the shops we have," she said, explaining how they added shelves and rails for clothing and decorated the interior.

She said the charity was looking for alternative premises and has contacted Crowngate - but is understood various avenues are being explored.

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"Some of the rents are through the roof," she said.

Some of the volunteers at the shop are in their 80s. "It has been a bit of a bolt from the blue. I'm heartbroken.

"I have regular customers, older people that come in especially to see me in the shop.

"We tried to keep all the prices as low as possible. But we are proud of what we have done for the charity.

"I'm redundant until we get another shop as a charity can't afford to pay my wages."

She was supported at the shop by husband Simon, 49, who said they put a lot of effort into refurbishing the interior which had been a bit gloomy.

Pamela Booker, branch secretary, said the charity had no chief executive and was run by unpaid trustees and said they were looking for new premises but could not pay the higher rents and they 'had to make profits otherwise there was no point'.

"Thank you to everyone who supports our endeavours. The vast majority of the money goes towards animal welfare" she said.