A BUSINESS in Weymouth town centre is under investigation following a spate of complaints.

The shop, labelled ‘The Cheapest Charity Shop in Dorset’, in St Mary Street, is under scrutiny from Dorset Trading Standards after receiving a number of complaints from surrounding traders.

Neighbouring businesses say they are fed up with furniture littering the road and have criticised the second-hand shop, run by Ian Lambert, who is behind the HS4B organisation, which he claims helps people who have become bankrupt.

Sophie Kermani Jibet, owner of The Dining Room opposite, said she started a campaign on Twitter and Facebook.

She said: “There were stacks and stacks of sofas piled on top of each other blocking the highway.

“Our issue is with all the stuff on the street. We’ve spent thousands of pounds making our space look really nice and then we’ve got customers saying they don’t want to sit outside at lunchtime because of all the clutter right there.”

Dennis Spurr, of The Fantastic Sausage Factory, said: “I sympathise with The Dining Room because they are doing fine dining and they’ve spent a lot of money fitting the place out and people don’t want to sit and have a meal looking at the mess – it needs to be controlled.”

Sue Warr, of The Bag Shop, said: “There were sofas and a table and chairs right out into the road, it looks awful.

“We’ve had customers complaining. It blocks lorries from making deliveries and it’s not the image Weymouth wants for the Olympics.”

The business has also been criticised for calling itself a charity shop.

Anita Hansford, store manager of Age Concern UK next door, said: “We’re a real, national charity and he’s not and he’s definitely not the cheapest.”

Rosemary Maguire, area manager, said: “We’re working hard to help elderly people and it’s really tough.

“Our staff are working their socks off to get money for a good cause.

“He gives a bad name for everyone.”

Sue Warr, of The Bag Shop, said: “The whole concept is not right.

“It’s telling people that the money is going to charity when it’s not.

“He’s not a charity.”

Ian Lambert said he supports HS4B, Help and Support For Bankruptcy, a Community Interest Company he founded to aid people in Dorset with financial problems.

He said: “We’re not a registered charity and the business and shop is not attached to one but we are a CIC, Community Interest Company.

“One week ago it became a CIC and before that it was just me.

“I’m just one man standing up trying to make a difference to people who are bankrupt.

“Before that the profits went into the project. We had the costs of renting the shop and paying staff.”

He added: “No-one’s allowed to put things out on the street and I’m not the only one who does.

“Once it was blocking the road and vehicles couldn’t get past – it happens but it’s not everyday.”

A spokesman for The Charity Commission for England and Wales said a charity with an income of less than £5,000 does not need to be registered.

It's against bylaw says chamber

Trevor Matthews of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce said: “The shop is flouting the local bylaw about putting things outside shops. It’s out of order and he’s pushing his luck.

“I’ve seen this shop – there was furniture covered in tarpaulins out there and it doesn’t look attractive.

“Shops are only allowed to display a small amount of produce a few feet away from the front.

“No one is picking on him, he’s breaking the law. All the other shops abide by the rules and keep their displays within the limits.”

A spokesman for The Charity Retail Association said: “The association is very concerned when it hears reports of bogus or fraudulent charity shops, which mislead the public.

“Charity shops should be able to provide you with information about the registered charity or charities to which their profits are donated.”