A BARRHEAD charity which has helped countless cash-strapped people will close its doors this week after suffering a financial crisis of its own.

The team at ReUseIt has spent seven years taking in second-hand furniture and selling it on to families at discounted prices.

However, the charity will shut its Muriel Street base on Friday as it can no longer pay its way.

Marie Wood, the charity’s founder, told the Barrhead News: “It is a real shame. We hoped that, having worked so hard towards self-sustainability, funders would be willing to consider applications favourably when a little help was needed.

“The sum of £10,000 would have secured the project for one more year and allowed the board of trustees to investigate future options, such as finding new premises.

“Sadly, despite ReUseIt’s attempts to access such financial assistance, nobody was willing to support us.”

As well as providing a service to those who are struggling to make ends meet, ReUseIt has helped to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

Green MSP Ross Greer has written to East Renfrewshire Council leader Tony Buchanan in the hope the charity can be saved.

Mr Greer said: “Marie and the team have diverted many tonnes of furniture from landfill, employed people on a living wage, provided opportunities for local volunteers and provided furniture to people, many of whom are in dire need.

“I urge the council to step in to give ReUseIt enough time to make the changes they need to make to thrive for many years to come."

A spokesman for East Renfrewshire Council said: “We work closely with a range of charities and are committed to supporting their activities as far as possible, whilst ensuring fair and reasonable access to funds for a wide range of community groups and charities.”