the growing number of charity shops in Okehampton has prompted the town's chamber of trade to ask planners to reject any new applications to open one.

The chamber is worried that when the Cheltenham and Gloucester Building Society building on Fore Street closes, the premises might house another charity shop.

With five already in the town — two on Fore Street, one on Crediton Road and two in the Arcade — businesses feel an increase might threaten the town's tourist attraction.

Chamber of trade chairman Ian Bailey said the organisation had written to West Devon Borough Council's planning department expressing concern.

'We've asked them that if any charity shops put in an application, that they be rejected on the grounds that we have enough in the town and because it doesn't look good for the town centre.

'West Devon Borough Council replied that they have no jurisdiction to refuse on the grounds of it being a charity shop.'

Mr Bailey said the chamber felt another charity shop on the high street would give out the wrong signal to shoppers.

He said: 'There are five already and having another one isn't going to make shopping in this town an attractive proposition.

'They are not buying locally and most of the money raised goes out of the area — these are our reasons for objecting.'

Mr Bailey said the chamber would like to see an independent trader take over the shop: 'The independents bring something fresh and different and that makes people want to come to towns like Okehampton.'

Manager of Donald's Menswear Mark Turner felt the town was in danger of losing its individuality: 'I have nothing against charity shops, they do some great work for charities, but I do feel the town would not benefit from another.

'They get reduced rates on properties, so they get the chance to have prime high street positions.

'You hear tales of towns dying and that's because there is an overflow of charity shops in these places — there are already two side by side on the main street.'

Mayor of Okehampton Cllr David Weekes said: 'I would rather see a charity shop, than an empty shop, but I would prefer to see a good, quality retailer to help bring more people back to the town, to make us an essential hub for the shoppers again.'

Chief officer from Age Concern Okehampton and Torridge Barrie Duke said there was no need for charity shops to be 'smack bang' on high streets.

'It is essential that charities are seen to work with local people — it gives the charities the chance to show what they do for the town.'

West Devon borough and county councillor Christine Marsh said the decision came down to whoever owned the shop.

She said: 'All we can do is hope for the best and that word has got around that it is available and hopefully it will be filled with an imaginative, large trader, who can help bring more people into the town.'

But manager of the British Heart Foundation shop in Okehampton Dee Drew said there was a satisfaction in knowing what the shop did for the charity.

'I know charity shops have a stigma, but everybody has their own charity they like to support and a lot of people donate to charity.

'The main point is that our profit goes towards something and we are not taking it for ourselves.

'We are in the crunch at the moment and charity shops don't have to be down and dingy — if you look, you will find what you are looking for.'

A spokesman at West Devon Borough Council planning department said there had been no recent applications for the shop.

The Cheltenham and Gloucester Building Society in Okehampton will close from Friday, November 6.