THE Essex Air Ambulance's Colchester shop is being forced to close due to financial struggles.

The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance charity shop in Head Street will shut at the end of this month.

The charity shop has helped raise vital funds for the life-saving charity, which receives limited government funding and does not have access to National Lottery grants.

It costs the charity more than £1million a month to remain operational, with an average cost of £2,800 per mission.

Store - After the closure of the Head Street store, the charity will have nine shops across Essex and Hertfordshire. Store - After the closure of the Head Street store, the charity will have nine shops across Essex and Hertfordshire. (Image: Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust) Of the 2,705 missions in 2023, 1,471 were by air ambulance and 1,234 involved rapid response vehicles.

The Colchester shop announced on Facebook on Friday that it would be closing at the end of this month, and thanked Colchester for its support.

Head of retail Lee Hodgins said: “Despite the dedication and hard work of the team, the Colchester shop has not met our financial expectations over the past five years.

“As a result, we have made the difficult decision to close the shop on September 28, 2024.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Colchester community for their generous support of Essex and Herts Air Ambulance during this time.”

Colchester residents shared their dismay.

One woman said it was “the only charity shop” she donates to because of fair prices and welcoming, grateful staff, while another said it was “such a shame” but wished the charity well.  

Donate - The charity encourages vital donations, with other drop off points in Marks Tey and Coggeshall and a store in Mersea. Donate - The charity encourages vital donations, with other drop-off points in Marks Tey and Coggeshall and a store on Mersea. (Image: Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust) Mr Hodgins continued: “We encourage the community to continue supporting our life-saving work by donating their pre-loved goods at our nearby drop-off donation points.

“Your contributions are invaluable in helping us maintain our critical care services and make a difference to the lives of those in need.

“Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding.”

The nearest EHAAT donation drop-off locations are at Feering Community Centre, Marks Tey, Station Road in Colchester, and the Essex Golf and Country Club at Earls Colne.

The closest EHAAT shop is in Barfield Road, West Mersea, which is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.