CHARITIES fear they will miss out on vital cash after a charity shop was closed down over health and safety concerns.

The council-owned shop in Lord Street West, Blackburn, has been offered to charities for more than 20 years at a cost of just £85 a week.

But Blackburn with Darwen Council closed it down on Friday over problems found in a fire risk assessment.

Council bosses said they were not providing any alternative accommodation for charities, although they would look into the possibility if any of their properties became vacant.

It is not known how long the building will be closed.

The news means charities will miss out on vital cash the shop provided them with.

The East Lancashire Animal Welfare was the last charity to rent the shop last week.

Trustee Carol Duggan said: "This shop sees the charity through the winter. It is an institution.

Janet Doolan, church warden at St Michael's Church, Blackburn, said: "It is a sad loss and very unexpected. It has helped us keep in the black for many years.

"It was very good because you paid the £85 rent and anything you made on top of that went directly to the church or charity you collected for."

"Many people who come here can't afford to shop in the shopping centre and we are cheaper than some charity shops. People depend on the shop. A woman with five children came in and dressed herself and her children for £11."

Adam Scott, director of regeneration, housing and neighbourhoods for the council, said the closure followed a fire risk assessment.

He said: "We decided for health and safety reasons to close it.

"If any council owned properties do become empty we will look into the possibility of them being used by charities."