OXFAM bosses have expressed their sadness at the decision to close the organisation’s long-standing Northwich charity shop.

The Oxfam shop is situated in the Weaver Square shopping centre, and has been in the town for 40 years.

Oxfam said the closure was linked to the difficulty in maintaining the shop’s financial viability.

The shop is run by manager Denise Barry, who has been in charge for 17 years, and who leads a team of 30 volunteers.

The charity shop is to close at the end of May, and its closure is another blow for the Weaver Square centre.

A spokesman for Oxfam told the Guardian: “Oxfam is very sad that the Northwich shop will close at the end of May.

“However unfortunately it has become increasingly difficult to keep the shop financially viable and ensure the best use of the money donated to us.

“We have been looking for an alternative site in Northwich but have not been able to find anywhere suitable.

“We are working with our shop manager to find other opportunities for our volunteers and some have already found places at other Oxfam shops.

“We are very grateful for the support the staff, volunteers and people of Northwich have given Oxfam over the years.”

The Guardian was made aware of the planned closure of the charity shop by a Leftwich resident.

“I learned on Saturday that the Oxfam shop is to close, and I would hate to see Oxfam leave the town,” she said.