The manager of Claire House Children's Hospice charity shop on Lord Street has hit back at the people who ran the Divine gift store after they blamed competition from charity shops for their demise.

Paul Clapham ran Divine and left a notice to the town's residents in the window of the gift store which read: “Due to the majority of visitors spending their days in charity shops and pound shops we have left Southport. The good news is you might get another charity shop to spend your days in.”

But Karen Dohren, 45, the manager of Claire House Children's Hospice charity, fumed: “If the charity shops weren't on Lord Street, or any street, then many of the shops would be empty. We are a charitable organisation and are providing a service.

"I don't know how we could have affected his business because we sell mainly ladies clothing while he was selling designer ornaments and jewellery. I think he was looking for someone to blame for his bad fortune.

“The former owner should have done his research before he opened. Designer type shops tend to be more centrally based in the town.”

The shop raises money for Claire House Children's Hospice in the Wirral. It is a 10 bedded hospice for children with life limiting, and life threatening conditions.

“We are raising money for charity,” Karen added: “We are looking for support and not for people who put charities down. At the charity shop we also offer work experience and help people in society.”

Karen concluded: “We are all struggling to stay open. It is the sign of the times, big superstores are affecting the small time businesses, that is my personal opinion.”

The Champion has tried to contact the former proprietors of Divine to respond, but nobody was available to comment before going to press.

By Henry James