Staff and customers have been left devastated after being told a shop in Kidderminster could be set to close. 

A consultation is underway to decide the future of Acorns Children's Hospice Shop on the High Street, which could close its doors for the final time after it was projected to make a small loss over the coming year. 

The news has come as a huge shock to volunteers and families who have used the charity's services over the years and understand the importance of the shop in raising vital funds. 

This includes Emily Marsden who has a severely disabled nine-year-old daughter, Daisy, and relies on Acorns for support and respite. 

Ms Marsden, aged 38, from Stourbridge, said: "My mother-in-law volunteers at the Kidderminster shop as she wanted to give back for all the support Acorns has given to our family. 

"The staff and volunteers only found out a few weeks ago and when she told me the news, I was completely shocked. The shop is such an important part of the town and it will be a huge loss to the community. 

"Acorns has provided respite for Daisy who has Rett's syndrome. It has had such a huge impact on her everyday life and the shops are a way of making Acorns more visible and letting families know that support is out there for them if they need it." 

The mental health nurse has now started a petition to help save the Kidderminster Acorns shop and has reached 78 signatures out of the 100-signature target. 

The aim is to try and encourage some negotiation on keeping the shop open by finding a way to lower rent or to relocate it to another part of the town. 

Ms Marsden said: "The staff just want answers as they've been given so little notice about the closure. The shop is a huge part of their lives and if we can find a way to save it then we will. 

"I'll be so sad to see it close for good as it helps support an essential service for children and families in the area. The staff have also got to know loyal customers who come in for a chat so it is important to them too.

"We now want as many people as possible to sign the petition to try and help us save the shop for the community." 

A spokesperson for Acorns Children's Hospice said: "At Acorns, we are committed to the long-term sustainability of our retail network, and like many charities, regularly evaluate the ongoing viability of our operations, particularly those that play a crucial role in raising funds towards our care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

"After much careful consideration, we are currently in consultation regarding the potential closure of our Kidderminster shop.

“We are aware of a petition in response to this proposal. We recognise this reflects a very real passion for our cause and the lifeline care and support we provide for local families, and for that, we are truly grateful." 

To sign the petition visit www.change.org/p/save-acorns-in-kidderminster