A charity has urged people not to leave donations outside its shops after half a soaking wet sofa was found outside a shop in Chippenham.
RSPCA North Wilts said the incomplete piece of furniture was dumped outside its premises in The Bridge overnight, where it was drenched by rain.
The charity said it was unable to sell the item and would now have to pay for it to be disposed of – with a spokesperson labelling the person a ‘silly sausage’.
Leaving unwanted items outside charity shops when they are closed can be considered fly-tipping, even if they are intended as donations.
In a light-hearted but frustrated Facebook post, RSPCA North Wilts said: “The politest of polite requests. Please, please do not leave your donations outside our charity shops overnight when the shops are closed.
“Whilst we believe the intentions were good, this half sofa/ quarter sofa/ attempt at a chaise lounge was left outside our Chippenham shop overnight.
“It rained last night and the item is soaking wet, with hopefully just rainwater… We cannot sell it. We have to pay to dispose of it. Our normally happy warehouse team are miffed.”
The charity explained that donations left outside its shops cannot be sold due to safety concerns for staff, volunteers and customers.
It stressed that donations of furniture, clothing and homeware are appreciated, but asked supporters to only bring items in during opening hours.
The charity added: “We are really grateful that people want to support us by donating their furniture, clothing and homeware but please, don’t be a silly sausage, bring your donations in when we’re open or contact us first.”
