A CHARITY which pulled out of Wales almost eight years ago has been blasted for continuing to trade in the Vale of Clwyd.
The Children’s Society announced in November 2001 that it would quit Wales by July 2002.
But, almost eight years on the charity is still running a newly refurbished shop in Ruthin... its only store in Wales.
The society, who claims it is “a leading national charity that makes childhood better for all children in the UK” has been criticised for its decision to continue seeking donations in Wales.
“I have no problem contributing or donating money to help children anywhere in the world, and the people of Wales have a fine record in supporting various charities as well as emergency appeals,” said Plaid Cymru’s Clwyd West candidate Llyr Huws Gruffydd.
“However, the circumstances here are strange, to say the least.
“It is some years since the Children’s Society ceased operations in Wales, although their web site still speaks about operating in the UK. The shop in Ruthin has nevertheless continued trading and this is misleading.
“People decide to support charities based on what they do and where they're active.
“After all, if the organisation is generating income from shops in Wales, it is fair to expect some of that money to be used helping children in Wales,” he added.
The decision to pull out of Wales in 2002 provoked fierce criticism from MPs and the Church of Wales.
In the same year the charity Tros Gynnal was set up to take over The Children’s Society’s work in Wales.
Bob Reitemeier, chief executive of The Children's Society, said: ''The Children's Society has been effectively managing the Ruthin shop for many years, including since 2002 when we withdrew from our direct work with children in Wales.
“There has never been any formal agreement with Tros Gynnal that we would hand this shop over to them, and we have just invested £30,000 in renovating the shop.
“The volunteers who run the shop have been wonderful and it is our view that we should continue to manage the shop with them."
Mr Gruffydd added: “It is very important that the Children’s Society is transparent about where the money is spent, and people supporting the shop may assume that they are helping children in Wales.
“I’m sure that the volunteers who staff the shop are dedicated to their task, but, at the same time, people in Ruthin may feel it a little odd that, having abandoned their work in Wales in 2002, the Children’s Society has spent over £30,000 renovating their shop here.”
Last night Roger Bishop, executive director of Tros Gynnal said: "We have approached the society in hopes of taking the Ruthin shop over."