Charity says fewer items donated

Fundraisers wanting improved hospice services in Lincolnshire said they have been hit by a lack of donations.

The Louth and District Hospice said its charity shops had seen an 80% drop in the amount of clothes being donated.

Organisers think people who usually give clothes to charity shops were not replacing their wardrobes as quickly in the current economic climate.

Mike Taylor from the hospice said their proposed new ward would be built, but it could have to be on a smaller scale.

'Best we can'

He said: "We've always got some money in the pot already for the build and plans are afoot already with the council for permission.

"So it will happen, so it's just a case of 'can we provide' and what's the best we can provide from the money available.

"Obviously the more money available, the better the facility, the better the care, the better the services, and of all the subsidiary services that go with it."

Currently the charity operates a hospice ward unit in the Louth and District County Hospital.