CHARITABLE organisations could be losing out on vital cash after Lancaster and Morecambe College car boot was shut down following a complaint to Lancaster City Council.
The public are really, really upset, says Tony Smart who organised the car boot every Sunday, and who has collected thousands of pounds over the five years the event has been running.
He said: "I can't understand why they've shut it but there's no
thing I can do.
"I'm trying to find somewhere else to go on a Sunday because I'm not getting the money for charity."
Ray Richardson, the original founder of car boots in 1975, said: "All items sold and passed on would otherwise have gone to landfill and income for the college and for charity is affected.
"It also helps families during the credit crunch.
"It's a shame this rule keeps coming up about only being allowed car boots for 12 or 14 days a year. It costs £142 for a license from the city council to go over those 14 days.
"Tony does a fantastic job for charity and it's a shame.
"I feel there's more to it than meets the eye.
"Everybody is losing out."
Tony added: "It's a shame if we have lost it because it's a day out for people, who meet with friends and have a chinwag. Everyone enjoys it."
Nick Barratt, manager of the sports centre at the college, said: "It's disappointing and it was a big part of the community every Sunday.
"However, the college are not in a position to argue.
"At the end of the day charitable organisations who collect on the day are losing out."
A spokesperson for Lancaster City Council said: "The organiser of the car boot sale was advised they would need planning permission after a complaint.
"They are not going to submit an application."
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