A BUSINESS is appealing for funds for a van which they can use to deliver household items to the needy.

Lancashire Homemakers, based in Rishton, provides families struggling to make ends meet with free items including furniture and white goods.

The company’s van is an essential part of this but it is currently damaged and requires a significant sum spending on repairs or a replacement.

But Guy Howard, 47, who has run the business with his partner Nicky Smith, 39, since it opened last August, said they are unable to fund the cost of a van due to a theft back in April.

Mr Howard said the theft saw hundreds of pounds and stock taken from the its shop in Church Street, Accrington.

He said that any funds raised and donations will go directly towards repairing or replacing the van, which he said is ‘essential’ to continue its project and allow the company to continue helping those in need.

The pair, who had to close the shop for a number of weeks following the theft and have only recently reopened it, have set themselves a goal of raising £3,000 towards the van, which has been out of action since May.

Mr Howard said that although the business can provide smaller items, it cannot continue going forward without the van to deliver bulkier items.

He said: “Obviously, every day without a van is a day that we are unable to provide the help that we normally provide to the local community, so the need for these funds is very urgent.

“We can provide smaller items from the shop but bulkier items need to be delivered which we can’t currently do.

“We would be extremely grateful for any assistance you could offer, as would the people that benefit from our services.

“Without the van, the business cannot continue.”

The company relies on donations and distributes essential household items to those in need in the community, to both those who approach them directly and via referrals from other charities.

It also provide support and opportunities for work experience for its volunteers, some of which have disabilities.

To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/repairreplace-community-van.