BOSSES at a Basingstoke charity have spoken of their “disgust” after lead was stolen from the forecourt canopy of a building earlier this week.

Thieves are believed to have struck at the offices of Shopmobility Basingstoke, in Church Street, between 4.45pm on Monday and 8.30am on Tuesday.

Anne Blackmore, manager, said the damage would cost hundreds of pounds to repair. She said: “How someone could do this is disgusting. Rather than providing a valuable service, our resources are being used up fixing this problem, when we should be out helping people.”

The theft was discovered by volunteer Elaine Crick when opening up the offices on Tuesday morning. Thanks to kind-hearted volunteers, any loose tiles have been thrown away and the canopy remains structurally sound.

The building is owned by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and leased to Shopmobility, which has been on the site for 14 years. The charity provides a range of mobility vehicles for people who struggle to get around the shopping area of Basingstoke.

Mrs Blackmore continued: “We are already struggling as our funding has been cut and we can no longer accept travel tokens. So this is the last thing we needed.”

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council confirmed it was “in the process” of lodging a claim and will make the building watertight.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said no action will be taken unless further information comes to light.