Northampton air ambulance stores to close temporarily

The Air Ambulance Service has decided to temporarily close all of it's charity shops to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of it's customers and staff in a bid to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

“These are unprecedented times and this decision hasn’t been taken lightly but as an organisation we must do the right thing by the communities in which we serve, live and work,” said CEO Andy Williamson.

“We would like to thank all of our supporters for their co-operation and understanding in these difficult times and for continuing to support our charity."

The Northamptonshire stores are located in Daventry, Kingsthorpe (Harborough Road), Northampton (Wellingborough Road), Oundle and Wellingborough.

All five branches will close on Sunday, March 22 until further notice.

The temporary closures will be for an initial two-week period but will remain under review in line with future Government advice.

The charity has also taken the decision to temporarily suspend its door-to-door lottery canvassing as well as its door-to-door reuse collections.

These will also cease on Sunday 22 March for an initial two-week period and will be regularly reviewed in line with advice from Government.

Both reuse bag delivery and bag collections are paused until further notice but clothing banks are still in use and the charity will attempt to reach as many banks as possible over the coming weeks while running a limited service until further notice.

While shops are closed people are asked not to leave donations outside the buildings.

People are asked to keep hold of items until the stores reopen and keep donating to ensure the lifesaving service remains operational in the future.

People can still continue to support the healthcare charity, which provides vital, critical care support to the NHS and receives no government funding, and should visit www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk for further information.

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