A long-standing British Red Cross charity shop in Amersham is set to close this weekend, prompting sadness among residents, volunteers and neighbouring retailers who say it has been part of the town centre for decades.
The shop on Sycamore Road is due to shut on Saturday, August 1.
The Bucks Free Press has approached the British Red Cross for comment.
Its closure will leave several charity shops operating in and around Amersham town centre, including, Age UK, Helen & Douglas House, Cancer Research UK and Thames Hospice.
READ MORE: Amersham charity shop on people leaving donations outside
Jacki Kew, manager of the nearby Helen & Douglas House charity shop, described the Red Cross store as a familiar landmark.
"The Red Cross shop has been here forever.
“It feels like part of the furniture in Amersham, really," she said.
"I've never heard a bad word said about it.
“It's a lovely shop, the staff are lovely, they get good donations and the prices are good.
“It's really sad that it's closing."
Ms Kew said one concern raised by residents is what might happen to donations that are regularly left outside the building.
She added: “The Red Cross shop has a front alcove where people often leave bags.
"We have a similar entrance here, so there are worries that people might start leaving more things outside our shop instead."
Residents also expressed concerns about the loss of another charity retailer from the town.
One resident said: "It's a real shame. We've already seen other charity shops disappear, including Scope.
“It feels like the number of charity shops in the town is shrinking."
READ MORE: Why people are using the eight charity shops in Amersham
Another resident highlighted the issue of donations being abandoned outside premises.
"Even when clear signs are put up, people still find a way to leave things outside, especially on Sundays.
“It's been happening for years."
Richard, who volunteers in charity shops in both Amersham and Hazlemere, said the closure represented another setback for the high street.
"There are a lot of shops closing at the moment," he said.
"There are several empty units in the town and now the Red Cross is going as well.
“It's another loss for the high street."
He added that the store had been serving shoppers for as long as many people could remember.
"I was working in Amersham more than 20 years ago and it was already well established then," he said.
READ MORE: Why has the South Bucks Hospice in Bourne End closed?
"Because of its location, it was often the first shop people passed when coming into town, so generations of people have known it."
Richard said charity shops provide far more than fundraising opportunities.
"They help people on lower incomes, encourage recycling and support good causes all at the same time," he said.
"It's always a shame when a shop closes, but it's especially sad when it's a charity shop that has been part of the community for so long."
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