SUSPECTED bogus collectors claiming to raise money for good causes are depriving some charity shops of stock, one manager claims.

Lisa Parry says she is struggling to fill up her newly opened Sue Ryder Care shop in Worle, and is appealing for donations and more volunteers.

Mrs Parry, who used to run a charity store in Cheddar, says the stock shortage is partly down to the rise of door-to-door bag collections.

Collectors drop leaflets through residents’ letterboxes offering to pick up and recycle clothing, shoes and handbags in the aid of good causes.

But the organisations have come under fire in recent years, accused of misleading the public and selling on the donated items for profit.

Mrs Parry said: “We opened our charity shop six months ago, but we’re still to get good stock coming in, or volunteers.

“I think it is partly down to many people now donating their unwanted items to these door collection businesses.

“It makes it harder for shops as ourselves to get in good quality to stock to sell on to raise money.

“If we don’t get more donations and volunteers soon we’ll struggle to remain viable and maybe forced to close.”

Sue Ryder Care provides support to people with long-term care needs and those coming to the end of the life.

Yet the well-known charity, which provides four million hours of care each year, has only one shop in Weston and Worle.

Mrs Parry said: “We want to continue raising money in areas such as here for the charity, we just need people to know where we are.

“I’d urge anyone who can help, donate some goods or even fancy a shop to take a look in.”

Goods sought after by the store include toys, games, books, shoes, jewellery and DVDs.

Anyone who can help should call the store on 01934 513807.