A CHARITY in Coventry fears it will come under increasing pressure due to a road closure during one of its busiest times of the year.
The RSPCA Coventry and District Branch says roadworks in Coundon Wedge Drive could reduce the number of adopters, donors, volunteers and suppliers driving to its site.
The closures, which take place daily from 9.30am to 3.30pm, began on Monday (December 8) and are due to continue until December 22.
Staff at the centre told The Observer they were only given a few days notice before the closures began.
They fear the road closures could harm its rehoming initiative – which generates over £5,000 a month – leaving animals waiting longer for loving homes.
And donations of food, blankets, toys and financial support – all of which tend to increase in December – are expected to fall.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “A drop in rehoming means many animals will wait longer for homes, and reduced donations will put real pressure on us.
“We are asking the public for support in any way they can. Every donation, every adoption enquiry, and every act of kindness helps us get through this difficult period.”
Complaints from the RSPCA and the public have prompted Coventry City Council to increase vehicle access during road closure times – but the charity said delays were still likely, and recommended visiting after 3.30pm when the road fully reopens.
But the charity spokesperson added: “The council could have chosen to extend the scheme and provide continual access but they haven’t. They also chose this time period – our busiest – to do the works so that the road would reopen for Christmas.
“Had they communicated about it earlier, it might have made a difference – but it does feel like an independent charity is being unfairly impacted.”
A council spokesperson said: “We have been working with the contractor and the centre to ensure people can access the site safely.
“Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times, and during the closure access for staff and visitors will be maintained by the contractor to ensure safety for those entering or leaving the site.
“Vehicles will be able to access the centre at all times – and when they arrive at the closure they will just need to inform an operative that they are visiting the RSPCA.”
The RSPCA Coventry and District Branch is urging supporters to donate online via the charity’s website, and drop off physical donations outside of road closure times or at any of the charity’s shops.
The charity is also asking local businesses if they could host temporary donation drop-off points.
Visit www.rspca-coventryanddistrict.org.uk/donate to donate.
