Braintree and Witham residents urged not to leave donated items outside charity shops during lockdown

Braintree Council says residents must not leave their donations outside charity shops as many have been forced to close because of the pandemic - meaning items are being left to pile up outside.

Bosses say there have been 'limited' reports of this happening but are urging people to store items they want to donate until the lockdown is over.

Environment and place boss Wendy Schmitt said: "Some may think this is an ideal time to have a clear out but what I would ask is that people keep any items they wish to donate at home until after this pandemic is over.

"We do not want bags of donations left in charity shop doorways as it will potentially become unhygienic and more importantly people should not be making non-essential journeys."