CHARITY shop workers have spoken of their concern over the way their premises have become a dumping ground for unwanted items and a target for pilferers.

The retail outlet in Chineham which supports St Michael's Hospice has been targeted by yobs who have been rummaging through clothes, toys and other goods left around the back of Tesco in Chineham, and then vomiting and defecating over those left behind.

Now volunteer staff, who have to clean up the mess, and other shop owners using the premises are calling on the public to help them out by sticking to particular delivery times.

Gary Negus, the retail development manager for St Michael's Hospice, said: "People are offloading stuff, which they have not been able to sell at car boot sales. There are piles of it. Then some idiots are coming along and if they don't find what they like they have defecated on it and been sick on the stuff. It is disgusting. The council say it is not their problem because the land belongs to Legal and General."

He added: "From around 4.30pm on Saturday evening until Sunday evening, people are leaving stuff here. They are even coming from Daneshill depot when the queues are too long. We have a sign here but people ignore it."

Margaret Kiernan, who is a volunteer for St Michael's Hospice, said: "We are the ones who have to sweep it up and it is disgusting. I have been physically sick after cleaning up the mess."

Legal and General spokeswoman Susan Roche said: "Although we have had no official complaints from other shops in the centre, it does appear that some people are leaving clothes outside the shop after closing time.

"This is unfair on the other shopkeepers and can be off-putting to visitors to the centre.

"We would therefore ask all the supporters of the hospice to restrict their clothes deliveries to shop opening hours."

People are advised to make deliveries only between 9.30am and 3.30pm on weekdays.