RISING rent and rates look like forcing the closure of the Red Cross Medical Loan centre in Cinderford and the charity shop which operates beside it.
Volunteer Bernie Giles, who has been providing the valuable wheelchair and medical appliance loan facility, has been told he must close by May 18, while shop manageress Irene Coker has been told she too must be out by July.
Both are desperately seeking affordable premises to enable them to carry on operating.
"It is a shame – it is very badly needed. I get people from as far away as Chepstow and Newent who need wheelchairs," said Bernie, a former fireman who was forced to retire after injuring his back.
He has 22 wheelchairs as well as walking sticks and other aids which are loaned out in return for donations, and the centre also sells smaller items such as special spoons and tap-turners for people with arthritis.
His clients are referred by doctors and the hospitals and he can usually provide a chair on the spot.
"It is much quicker than waiting for Social Services and all the form-filling – people are often better before they get what they want through the system," he said.
He believes the balance between income and outgoings just does not make it viable – the charity shop facing a similar problem.
"We cannot charge Gloucester prices here in Cinderford," said Irene Coker. "But we are very popular and I believe we are providing a service for the local community."
Mr Giles says if he does close people needing chairs and other appliances will have to use a mobile service which can only make calls at Lydney and Coleford on Tuesdays.
To continue he needs space for up to 22 chairs and facilities to wash them down.
A petition has been started to keep the Red Cross operating in Cinderford and callers can sign at the shop.