A NATIONAL charity has claimed that disruption from the improvement works in Andover High Street has caused a dramatic drop in its turnover.

Cancer Research UK says its shop at 14 High Street Andover needs hundreds of good quality items to come in and out of its doors each week, in order to ensure it runs smoothly.

The shop is in need of some 'tender loving care' after the store has suffered a dramatic drop in support from donators and alike.

A press release produced by the charity pins the blame for the downturn to 'the High Street becoming pedestrianised, making donations difficult for members of the community'.

Shop Manager Kevin Smith echoes this view.

"As a result, trade is down and folk are not popping in so much with their second-hand donations," he said.

"We'd like to remind people that we are still open. We rely on the generosity of the local community to bring donations to the shop.

"However, many people would like to support us in this way and are simply unable to make it to our shop, which is disappointing for both them and us."

Just to make things a little easier, volunteers will be on hand to help unload donations from cars, which can be parked just around the corner in the George Yard car park.

Each item sold raises much- needed funds for vital cancer research.

Officials at Test Valley Borough Council have already conceded that works taking place in the High Street have caused disruption but believe that in the long term the changes will be beneficial.

Mark Lambert, the council's engineering consultancy manager, said: "I recognise that charity shops need donations and I'm sure the charity shops realise that these works need to proceed.

"The contractor has assisted people to drop off goods and will continue to do so when asked.