Although I agree with the points raised in E Sanger’s letter (Have Your Say, November 12) about small high street shops having to close due to high rents, I must point out that charity shops, unlike 20 years ago, are now classified as retail outlets and pay the same charges as other shops.
It appears that the public in general hold this misconception that charity shops have special dispensation when it comes to paying council charges. Sadly that is no longer true.
Our charity shops are only just surviving on the high streets, they are struggling like any other business and it is only due to the goodwill and help of the general public as well as the dedication and hard work of the army of volunteers that these shops are just about managing to keep their heads above water and continue to help those in need.
S Sheppard, Sterte Close, Poole
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