A PLEA has gone out to people to stop dumping furniture and other items outside a York hospice shop because of the problems and extra expense being caused to staff and volunteers.

In the latest in a series of incidents, staff arrived to find the entrance to the rear of the St Leonard's Hospice shop at Haxby blocked with old chairs and cabinets, which had to be moved before they could open up.

The furniture had been left outside in the rain all night, and the chipboard from which it was constructed had begun to swell.

Helen Moreton, hospice community fundraiser, who has special responsibility for its four shops, said: "Many of our volunteers are older people, and they should not have to negotiate piles of sodden furniture to get into our shops.

"Quite apart from the health and safety aspect, this thoughtless dumping takes up the time of our hospice drivers in disposing of this rubbish at an approved site, and adds to our costs.

"We hope that people will behave responsibly and let us know beforehand if they have furniture to offer us, by telephoning the hospice's fundraising centre on 01904 781576. Our drivers will then visit them to assess whether the items are suitable for us to sell, and we will arrange collection. Items are then put on sale at our furniture showrooms in Acomb."

Staff at St Leonard's have asked that nothing is ever left outside its shops in Acomb, Haxby, Tang Hall or Pocklington, saying that if the shop is closed, people should call back at another time.

The shops make a valuable contribution towards the £1.75 million St Leonard's needs each year to provide its services. They rely on a constant supply of good quality goods for sale.

"Hospice shops cannot act as a dumping ground," said Helen. "We hope anyone who considers offering us goods will ask themselves if it is the sort of thing they would buy themselves. If it isn't, please think again."

Updated: 09:31 Monday, February 17, 2003