SUPERMARKET chain Morrisons has caused upset in Aberystwyth over its new policy on in-store charity collections.

Morrisons has decided to give priority to local charities to the dismay of local branches of national charities such as the RSPCA and Cats Protection.

Local fundraisers labelled the move unfair, arguing that although they operate under the name of a national charity, they are self-financing and the money raised is spent in Ceredigion.

Ann FitzGerald of the Aberystwyth branch of Cats Protection said: ”To all intents and purposes we are a local charity, we are to a great extent self-financing and the proceeds are spent locally on cat welfare.

“Morrison collections have become an important source of funds for the local branch, particularly since money has become so short generally.

“I have no idea how we can make up the difference.

“Money is sorely needed for vets’ bills, neutering, feeding and the general welfare of cats while we look after them until they find permanent homes.”

Morrisons said they do not exclude local branches of national charities but give priority to local charities.

They added that they still have donation stations for both Cats Protection and the RSPCA in their Aberystwyth store and that both charities can still apply for in-store collections and for financial help from the Morrisons Foundation.See this week's Aberystwyth edition for the full story, in shops now or online by clicking the Digital Editions tab at the top of the page