VOLUNTEERS at a Richmond charity shop have criticised plans to partly demolish it as part of a new social housing development.

Under the £850,000 proposals, the YMCA shop in Richmond Market Place would lose about two-thirds of its retail space, which volunteers say would have a "catastrophic" effect on profits.

But the charity's bosses have defended the plans, saying the new housing - which will consist of eight self-contained flats for 18 to 25-year-olds - will help vulnerable people in the town get back on their feet.

One volunteer, who did not wish to be named, said staff and volunteers had not been kept up to date with the plans. "The first we heard was when the plans went in," he said.

"Last year, we made more than £32,000 clear profit, which is amazing considering we are a charity shop.

"If we lose the space, we will struggle to survive because we'll lose a big chunk of the revenues, and to be honest I think the shop will die.

"People are worried about their jobs, and volunteers are worried they will lose a vital lifeline."

The building itself is owned by YMCA Richmond, which also provides the Connections drop-in service, while the shop is run separately. YMCA Richmond has already obtained planning and listed building consent for the project, and is waiting for confirmation of the funding from head office.

Norma Yarker, district manager of YMCA Shops, said that the three paid jobs and volunteer positions would be safeguarded and possibly even expanded.

"The shop is there to support the work of YMCA, not the other way round," she said.

"There will be a smaller space, but that will just mean a quicker turnover - revenues will not be lost.

"The housing project goes to the heart of what we do - helping young people to get their lives on track.

"I don't think anyone in the town could honestly say that was a bad thing."

The volunteer added: "We all think the idea itself is brilliant, just not at the shop's expense."

The YMCA is awaiting funding confirmation, which will be announced in due course.