A charity shop has thanked its supporters after it received a letter claiming to be from a neighbourhood watch group saying it hoped the shop would fail.
Worthwhile Occupational and Recreational Krafts is a Sheffield-based charity that runs a training centre for adults with learning disabilities.
The charity, also known as Work Ltd, opened a gift shop late last year called Kreate.
It received a letter purporting to be from a local “neighbourhood watch” saying it hoped the business would fail.
The handwritten letter reads: “Just a note from neighbourhood watch not to welcome you.
“We try not to encourage charity shops [around] the area.
“A lot of businesses needed by the community have failed and I hope yours does too.”
Speaking to the BBC, shop manager Ruth Denton said she was “shocked” and “disheartened” by the letter.
“I was upset because we’ve poured our hearts and souls into this, and we’re not just a home and giftware store, we’re more than that,” she said.
The charity shop posted a photo of the letter on its social media channels which went viral and received an outpouring of support.
One commenter said: “We are not local but have friends living locally.
“We will be sure to visit your shop on our next trip to Sheffield.
“Just the sort of artisan shop every locality needs.”
Denton described the support the shop received following the letter as “unbelievable”.
She said: “I’ve had messages from people asking if they can buy online so they can support us – they’re living in the USA. It’s absolutely unbelievable.
“We’ve had so much positivity.”
The charity prepares people with learning disabilities for retail jobs by providing training to operate tills, pack items and stock shelves.
Kreate is set to begin training programmes with students this month.