FOR decades charity shops have provided a lifeline for people on low income and pensioners, looking to pick up second goods at a low rate.

But it now appears that they have abandoned this and are selling items at high prices.

Let’s not forget these shops are to raise money for charity. They are mainly run by volunteers and get generous tax breaks which normal shops don’t.

Many items now almost rival prices for new goods – and they rarely reduce the cost unless the item hasn’t been sold in months.

Out has gone the basics, and it’s being turned into a money-making machine to rival criminal empires!

The shop managers have the flexibility to set their own prices using their judgement and some guidance. So maybe one reading this could explain the theory?

GB DIPPER Leominster