Southsea's Oxfam charity shop to close after rent hike

Devastated volunteers at the Osborne Road shop have put up a sign in the window informing customers that they will be closing, with their final day on Saturday, October 8.

The closure will leave the international aid charity without a shop in the city – the nearest will now be in either Fareham, Lee-on-the-Solent or Chichester.

However, they are not admitting defeat and are already looking for new premises to keep a store in the local area.

Margaret Kemble has been a volunteer in the shop for more than 30 years. She said: ‘We won’t be able to stop the closure of this shop, but there is a strong feeling to try and keep a presence here in Southsea.’

The decision came after the landlord decided to put up their rent for the first time in 15 years, from £13,500 a year to £30,000.

Margaret added: ‘We just can’t afford it. The shop is viable, but not with this increase.

‘We are putting out a plea – if anyone knows a place in the area with a decent rent, please let us know. Headquarters have been very supportive and is saying if we can provide a business case for new premises, they will back us.

‘Unfortunately we have also had to stop taking donations – our backroom is already stuffed to the gunnels, and what we have left will have to go to other shops.’

The shop is run by a core of eight volunteers and one part-time salaried member of staff.

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Volunteer Louise Pitt added: ‘It’s not just for the shopping that people come in here, it’s part of the community – people pop in for a chat, and they’re going to lose that too.’

Regular customer Jackie Baynes of St Thomas Street, Old Portsmouth, said: ‘May I say “thank you” to all the managers and pleasant volunteers who have given their talents and time to this shop for the 22 years that I have lived in Old Portsmouth. Osborne Road will be a less interesting road with out it.