Volunteers who have been collecting goods for victims of the war in Ukraine say they have to stop this weekend because they have been unable to find a new venue.

Polish club Szaniec has distributed around 25 tonnes worth of items but has to leave the warehouse in Kings Langley it has been operating from.

Members hailed the "amazing generosity" after the public donated items in their droves but warned they needed to find a new home to continue their work.

Despite appealing to the public for a space and approaching local councils, nothing suitable has been offered and the final day of collections is tomorrow (April 2).

Volunteer Justyna McIvor said: "It is heart-breaking that we have to stop because donations are very much still needed by those affected by the war and the donations keep on coming in to us.

"We have put our own lives on hold and taken off time from work to help but we know that we can’t just stop. Whatever is left over still on Saturday we will have to take back to our homes."

Watford Observer:

Szaniec have been working with a Polish charity called Caritas which has arranged transport from England to a hub in Lublin in Poland where the goods are then sent on to those in need.

Ms McIvor and fellow volunteer Magdalena Warszycka have contacted councils in Watford, Three Rivers, and Dacorum for help for a venue to store goods because their current home, which was temporarily donated to them, has to shut for business reasons.

Ms McIvor said: "It feels sad that the local authorities don’t seem to be recognising our work. It is such a shame that we have to put an end to it."

Dacorum Borough Council said its officers have spent "considerable time" investigating commercial sites it does and doesn't own but said there is nothing "appropriate" or "vacant".

Three Rivers District Council said it too doesn't have an available or "suitable" storage facility but said it is "very happy" to speak to Szaniec and see how else the council could support them.

Watford Borough Council has not yet responded to a request for comment.

Watford Observer:

Szaniec says it still hopes a venue will be offered to them. A lot of its members are from Watford but the club is willing to branch out into surrounding towns or villages if necessary.

A space of around 150 sq metres or more that is suitable for storing boxes and for sorting, has access throughout the day, including weekends, and that is accessible for lorries is required.

If you can help contact pk.szaniec@gmail.com

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