A Kent homeless charity is being uprooted from its warehouse to make way for a McDonald’s drive-thru.

The Bridge Trust has helped vulnerable people in Tonbridge for over 25 years, but now its future hangs in the balance.

Its Cannon Lane warehouse - home to furniture renovated by homeless volunteers before being sold on - will soon be transformed into the fast food establishment.

Dedicated staff now have just two weeks to relocate to a new home in Paddock Wood.

After an exhaustive six-month hunt warehouse manager Nicola Harris discovered a space on the Eldon Way Trading Estate.

Despite being a third of the size and three times more expensive than the current unit she decided it was the only option.

Nicola added: “It’s been a nightmare. We couldn’t find anywhere in Tonbridge, the only structure available was £67,000.

"Because of this enforced move we have so much to do. The new warehouse is very small, and will cost us over £40,000. The current one only costs £17,000. We are a charity to find that kind of money is hard.

"At the moment we are having to sell furniture really cheaply in order to try and raise funds."

“The work we do is fantastic, we have helped so many people. But everything that could go wrong has" - Nicola Harris, warehouse manager

“I really don’t think we’ll get the work finished in time and we will have to close while it is going on. The longer we stay closed the less money we have to find housing.

"The money we make is used to fund our houses for single homeless people, and then helping them move on into social housing. The shortage of income from the warehouse has made life much more difficult for us.

“The work we do is fantastic, we have helped so many people. But everything that could go wrong has.

"We are now appealing for help from local tradesmen and DIY stores who may be able to donate materials or carry out essential construction work.”

Partitioning for basic rooms such as a kitchen and workshop needs to be constructed along with the completion of electrical work.

The trust is also asking for anyone with a van to help move everything from Tonbridge to Paddock Wood.

Everything needs to be removed by April 30.

To help call 01732 20365988 or e-mail nharris@thebridgetrust.org.uk