Kenilworth's RSPCA shop will close for the final time this week, with the charity unable to afford the increased rent.

The animal welfare charity announced in June it would be shutting its store at Abbey End.

And now it will have its final day of opening today (July 30), a sign in the shop's window confirmed.

"Thanks for all your support and hope to see you when we open our Leamington shop," the notice said.

Donations have not been taken over the past few weeks, with everything in store reduced by 75 per cent.

Local property agent Creative Retail is also marketing the unit for rent, available for £27,500 per year.

When the charity announced the shop would close, an RSPCA Warwickshire South & East Branch spokesperson said: “It is with a heavy heart that we are having to announce the closure of our branch charity shop in Kenilworth. 

“The lease is due for renewal on 31 August and we were unable to commit to the ten year lease with the proposed £3,000 a year increase in rent cost.

advertisement

“The charity will continue to operate its shop on Regent Street in Leamington Spa, so we’ll be focussing our attention on raising as much money as we can to help animals in the local area via the shop.

“The Leamington Spa shop has been refurbished and has more space than we have in Kenilworth. We really hope that shoppers will come and have a look at us in our new surroundings – and grab a bargain too!

“We’d welcome your donations and are always looking to welcome new volunteers with an enthusiasm for animal welfare to help with a wide range of roles. 

“We are enormously grateful to everyone who has supported our work through the Kenilworth charity shop, to everyone who has worked there and all who have given up their time volunteering.”