A CHARITY shop has found a newhome after being forced to close to make way for a coffee chain.

St Luke’s Hospice welcomed customers to its new shop in the Ladygate Centre, Wickford.

The charity was forced out of its previous shop, in Wickford High Street, after the lease was handed over to Costa.

Staff and volunteers worked hard to fit out the former Choice discount clothing store, which closed at the beginning of year, in time for the opening on Saturday.

The new shop will specialise in furniture, clothes, books, DVDs, CDs and jewellery.

Customers reacted angrily when it emerged in July the private landlord of the High Street unit, where St Luke’s had been based for 17 years, had accepted a higher bid from Costa and given the charity one month’s notice.

This was extended after discussions, and St Luke’s was allowed to stay until it transfered to its new home.

Marilyn DeBattista, hospice spokesman, said: “While being disappointed to be leaving our High Street premises, we are delighted to have secured another in a good trading position.

“We have been overwhelmed by public support and our customers have told us ‘wherever you go, we will find you.’

“We are competing in a commercial field and, given our current circumstances, securing this shop is very good news indeed for the hospice.”

St Luke’s Hospice, in Nethermayne, Basildon, which cares for adults with serious illnesses, needs to raise £3million every year to stay open.

Up to 12 jobs will be created when Costa opens within the next few months.