More than 1,600 rescued animals are at risk of going hungry after takings at a Norwich charity shop which provides their food were halved due to roadworks.
Bosses at Hallswood Animal Sanctuary Charity Shop in Vauxhall Street near Suffolk Square say their donations have gone down to just two bags a day since car parking spaces were blocked by roadworks in the street.
Work to remove old paving slabs and lay new surfacing in the area began on June 12 and is set to take six weeks to finish.
But Gina Rudling, who manages the shop says she was not made aware that all of the street's parking spaces would be coned off while work was carried out, and as a result she says she has seen business plummet.
She said: "These works have had a massive knock-on effect on us, we can't just not feed the animals.
"It's becoming a real problem for us as when sales are down by half and we're only getting two bags of donations a day when we usually get 50, we have to dip into donations and sponsor money to feed the animals and that's not a bottomless pit.
"In doing these works the council have not taken us into consideration and we really need the money.
"We're only small with three shops so when one takes a hit like this, the charity really feels it. Six weeks is an awfully long time to have your takings cut, I don't know how we'll get through.
"The council have apologised, but that doesn't feed animals."
Ms Rudling says people have been taking their donations elsewhere when they see the works, so has urged anyone wishing to donate or visit to park at the back of the shop in Essex Street.
A Norfolk County Council spokesperson said work was important to the street and thanked businesses and those living there for their patience.
He said: "Local businesses were informed of the temporary closure of the parking bays in a letter sent to local premises and signage in the area.
"We thank people for their patience and understanding while we carry out these vital works, which are due to complete at the end of next week.”
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