Traders have called for restrictions on the number of charity shops in Budleigh, which they say are ‘detrimental’.

In a letter to Budleigh Salterton Town Council, Alan Tilbury, president of Budleigh Salterton Chamber of Commerce, asked the council to consider asking the Government to impose a limit on their number.

The council was unimpressed by the request, with town mayor Councillor Caz Sismore-Hunt suggesting traders should work on improving their own businesses, while charity shop managers have defended their work.

Mr Tilbury wrote: “As a chamber, we would like to express our concern at the growing number of charity shops in Budleigh Salterton.

“We feel this is having a detrimental effect, as visitors have commented that the town has lost ‘its charm and they won’t be coming back’.

“We are not against charity shops as they service an environmental purpose in the re-use of goods, as opposed to being discarded or recycled. It is the number and the concessions they receive that are getting out of proportion. Eighty per cent of business rates unpaid, and unpaid volunteer staff, is surely enough help.”

Mr Tilbury suggested the council contact the Government, perhaps requesting a limit on charity shops to one per a certain number of the population.

There are currently five charity shops in Budleigh.

In response, Cllr Sismore-Hunt said: “Surely the chambers could do more if they had banded together and approached, they say, the Government? We, as a council, have no control what goes in and out of the high street.

“The town is not going to look good if shops are empty. I don’t agree with all the charity shops, but all of ours look very nice in the town.

“I think our chambers have got to move forward. They can’t stay selling the same things in the same way in the same shops forever. You have got to make shops more attractive. You have got to move with the times.”

Rachel May, the manager of Budleigh’s Oxfam shop, said: “This shop has been here more than 40 years. We were the first charity shop in Budleigh.

“I can understand their concerns, but it’s definitely better than having empty shops.”

A spokesman for Hospiscare, which recently moved to a new location in the town, said: “Hospiscare has had a shop in Budleigh for many years, which contributes income towards running the hospice.

“As well as providing this essential local service, we also contribute to the local economy by providing employment and, where possible, using local suppliers. We are very grateful for the support that enables us to provide care for people at the end of their lives.”

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