A lack of volunteers is stalling plans by Cornish charity Cornwall Hospice Care to open a new clearance outlet in Redruth.

The two-floor shop in Chapel Street will offer economic lines of pre-loved clothing, but can’t open until a range of volunteer roles have been filled. The charity’s latest venture will offer out-of-season stock and economic ranges of low cost clothing, nursery goods, sports equipment and household items, but with the outlet sorted there’s a desperate need for volunteers to run the operation.

Store manager Michelle Dowling said: “We’ve got a range of jobs that need filling from cashiers working four hour shifts through the morning or afternoon to van driver’s mates who will be needed for day long periods to assist in the delivery and collection of goods from across the West Cornwall area. We also need volunteers to help prepare stock behind the scenes, from sorting books to organising bric-a-brac and processing vintage clothing.

“The outlet is in Chapel Street so it’s easy to reach and it provides a comfortable working atmosphere. We can also work hours around people’s commitments, for instance we can provide shifts for busy parents who are free during school hours. I’d love to hear from anyone who’s interested, please either pop in for a chat or call me on 01209 219191.”

Lindsay Taylor, Cornwall Hospice Care's business development manager for the area, said the sooner the outlet is open the better. "We need to raise millions every year to keep our two very special hospices at St Julia’s in Hayle and Mount Edgcumbe in St Austell open so outlets such as this are vital to our retail operation. I very much hope we will be able to open the doors at Redruth before the end of August, all we need is a small and dedicated army of volunteers to help and we’ll be up and running.”