A Watford community organisation is calling for donations to stop rain leaking into its waste food shop.

The Random Café, at Meriden Gardens in Garsmouth Way, hopes to raise £7,500 to repair the roof on its community shop, which serves around 240 people a month on a 'pay as you feel' basis.

It sells food that is nearing expiry, in damaged packaging or surplus, and there is a café on site which serves supermarket food that would otherwise be wasted.

Watford Observer: While the roof has been temporarily secured, the food and equipment underneath are still at risk of damage.While the roof has been temporarily secured, the food and equipment underneath are still at risk of damage. (Image: Random Cafe)

The leaks mean stock and equipment is currently at risk, and water has also entered into two adjacent workshops used for the community garden. 

Residents can donate by visiting www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/random-cafe-roof.

Watford Observer: Inside the community food shop.Inside the community food shop. (Image: Random Cafe)

While it has been temporarily secured, the organisation needs £7,500 to install a fully insulated new roof.Watford Observer: Random Café volunteers Nesreen Yousfi and Rose Williams, with owner Jane Johnson (L-R) in front of the community food shop. Random Café volunteers Nesreen Yousfi and Rose Williams, with owner Jane Johnson (L-R) in front of the community food shop. (Image: Jane Johnson)

Random Café owner Jane Johnson said they were “really pleased” that over £500 has already been donated to the fundraiser.

She added: “We’re concerned about further damage to our stock and equipment and are calling on the people of Watford to support us with whatever they can afford. 

“A new roof to our shop and workshops will make the area safe and mean we can keep supporting families and saving food from landfill.”