A DORCHESTER charity shop is running ‘desperately’ low on stock as roadworks are discouraging residents from dropping off donations.

The manager of Oxfam, in South Street, has reported a significant drop in the number of donations since the council began repaving works last month.

The work, which began on April 18 and is expected to continue until July 28, will see the southern section of South Street repaved to regenerate the town centre shopping area.

During the work, a traffic restriction is in place preventing vehicles entering South Street between 7am and 7pm Monday to Saturday.

Shop manager Owain Lloyd said: “Since the roadworks began we have experienced a huge drop off in donations. I have had to ring some of our back room staff to say there is nothing for them to sort at the moment.

“We have no donations or stock; we basically have an empty back room. We are desperately in need of quality clothing, hand bags and shoes. We also need books and good quality music.”

While businesses are open as usual, Owain says the majority of donations the shop receives are delivered by cars which now have now way of getting to the shop.

He said: “Most of our donations come by car and usually come in around 9.30am or 4.30pm, when the road is still closed.

“Usually, by this time in the week my homewares donations are piled three foot high but now there is one small box in the back and on the shop floor the homewares display is empty with a sign saying we need donations.”

The three-month road works will see the road and pavements levelled out with higher quality materials used to highlight Nappers Mite, the entrance to Hardy Arcade and the United Church building.

Owain added: “We are really looking forward to the paving works being finished as it should make a huge difference when it’s done. The people doing the work have been extremely friendly, accommodating, and helpful, but none of us can do anything about them having to close the road to traffic.”

With the branch set to open on Sunday’s between 10am and 4pm from June 11, the team is seeking to stock-up as much as possible in the coming weeks and are also keen to hear from anyone wishing to volunteer.

Contact the team on 01305 263590 or by email on oxfamshopf4073@oxfam.org.uk.