Charity shop stunned by ‘hope you fail’ letter from ‘neighbourhood watch’

A handwritten letter posted to a local charity in Sheffield threatening they would “soon close” has prompted a “shock” reaction online.

The angry letter arrived through the letterbox of Kreate on Hutcliffe Wood Road in Beauchief by second class Royal Mail delivery, in an envelope addressed to “the owner”. It reads: “Just a note from neighbourhood watch not to welcome you. The opposite – we try not to encourage charity shops round the area, or shops selling Blackpool style trinkets.

“A lot of businesses needed by communities have failed and I hope your does too. Another grey painted trendy tak. Soon to be countdown for you. Shutters will be permanently down. Residents Unite (Bocking Lane).”

Kreate is part of Work Ltd, a Sheffield charity that provides life skills and occupational training for people with learning disabilities aged 16 and over. Students can build their confidence while taking part in a variety of activities from woodwork, arts and crafts, dance, sports and more.

Read more: Sheffield park stabbing latest as police make fourth arrest

The shop, which sells homeware and gifts in order to raise money for the cause, opened its doors to customers in October last year and is an expansion of the charity’s work in Ringinglow, where they already run the Hidden Gem Cafe.

When owner of Krate, Ruth Denton, shared a photo of the letter on social media yesterday (May 4) with the caption “Happy Saturday to us. It’s just a shame people don’t do their research properly. Thank you to the kind person that took the time to write this and send it 2nd class”, she was met with an outpouring of support from the local community who were left “shocked” and “furious” by the note.

On Facebook, Luke Manton commented: “I can’t wait for that person to walk past your store in a year’s time,” and Katie Davis wrote: “That’s absolutely disgusting and I hope whoever sent the letter is ashamed and embarrassed by their actions!”

Stevie Hanson said: “I love that out of this awful and negative act, there will come some good…. The public outrage is fabulous… I think they may have just gained you a whole set of new customers.” Vicky Thornley added: “Wow, unbelievably spiteful. They are totally ill informed. I love your shop with its beautiful stock. It will be all the nicer once the students are in there creating beautiful pieces.”

Rachael Louise added: “What a nasty thing to do! I’d love to see their face when you prove them wrong. Keep up the good work and ignore the haters.” The letter had been signed off by “Residents Unite (Bocking Lane)”, although the identity of the group cannot be confirmed.

Krate is currently closed for the bank holiday weekend but is normally open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and from 10am until 4pm on Saturday.

Get all the latest and breaking Sheffield news straight to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter here.