A COMMUNITY charity shop described as the “nicest spot on the planet” is closing without explanation.

The Autism Sussex Charity Clearance Warehouse and Shop, run by Aspens Charities, in Talland Place, Peacehaven, will shut its doors for the final time today.

Residents are devastated that the shop, which feels like a “community hub”, is being lost.

Aspens, which runs charity shops across the South Coast, did not offer a reason for the closure of the store.

A statement said: “The Aspens board of trustees have undertaken a thorough review of our retail operation and as result we will be closing our Peacehaven warehouse and shop.”

But regulars were disgusted by the lack of information given. Kate Llewellyn, 70, lives in Peacehaven and goes into the shop every day because “it is like a little community”

She said: “What b*****ds. It’s all about money. It makes me so cross.

“They’re too busy fiddling around at the top with their own.

“It feels like they aren’t helping the people of the community.

“It’s going to break my heart and not just mine, but lots of others.

“The whole of Peacehaven is upset.

“If you’re lonely you can come and chat to people and listen to music and have fun.

“The people in here are so kind and caring.

“They worry about people and help you.”

Shop manager Julie Allan was devastated to be shutting shop.

She said: “We’ve been here for three years and our customers love us.

“They come in for a chat, bring their babies in.

“We have had people come in with their families and we know everyone’s names.

“It’s the nicest shop ever. We play loads of Fifties and Sixties music and people love to come in

“There are lots of people who have needed that in the community

“It’s a really family in here.

“We all know it has to close but it’s going to be sorely missed by the residents of Peacehaven.

“I was there at the beginning and it’s built up to what it is now.

“It’s sad to see it go.”

Julie’s daughter Jodie, who is a regular at the shop, said the closure was a blow not just to the community but its employees as well.

She said: “It has made a few people jobless, and left

volunteers without their safety net.

“For some of them it’s the only time they really go out and socialise and have a job to do.”