HOSPITAL volunteers have been left with their fingers crossed following the closure of a popular charity shop on Friday.

Members of Warrington Hospital's League of Friends were saddened when they were forced to shut their shop in the main foyer to allow an improvement programme to take place.

The shop, which was opened in April and has been dealing in bric-a-brac, crafts and donated items, was always intended to be a temporary fixture before work began on the £3 million development to update the main entrance.

But the success of the venture, which has raised £9,000 for the hospital in four months, has caused members to make a plea to hospital chiefs last week to relocate it rather than close it down.

League of Friends chairman Alan Woodward said: "The hospital is doing its best to find us somewhere, but the impression I get is that it's going to be a struggle.

"The news has disappointed volunteers because the shop has done so well since it opened and has provided a regular source of funds for the hospital. Members have worked wonderfully well and the support from people who have donated items to sell has been fantastic."

Hospital friend Anita McDonnell, who started the shop, added: "The League of Friends stages charity events at various times in the year, but the shop was a steady source of income. We hope the hospital will be able to find us space somewhere else."

The League of Friends' help desk will be transferred to the new main entrance, which is currently under construction, but although the new area will accommodate shops, the Friends' charity shop will not have a place.

Anne Alexander, deputy director of nursing at Warrington Hospital, said: "The shop closed on Friday, but we are extremely grateful to the League of Friends for their fantastic fundraising efforts.

"The second phase of work will begin. It will involve the creation of a food court for visitors and staff and space for a range of new shops."

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