Hereford Hospice Shop Issues Access Alert Over Faulty Lift

Key Points

• Passenger lift at St Michael’s Hospice Whitestone Shop & Cafe is currently out of action.
• Repairs underway, but issue may persist into the weekend.​
• Spokesperson urges customers with access needs to call 01432 802228 before visiting.​
• Apology issued: “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.”​
• Updates to be posted online as available.​
• Shop located off Whitestone Business Park, near Withington, Hereford, spanning over 14,000 square feet with retail space and drop-off centre.
• Lift specifically for wheelchair or buggy access, right of main staircase.​
• Shop popular charity outlet supporting hospice patients and families.​
• Thank you note: “Thank you for your support and understanding.”​
• Features include cafe, donation centre, accessible toilet, baby changing, play area.

Whitestone (Manchester Mirror) February 06, 2026 – A popular Herefordshire charity shop has issued an urgent warning to customers due to a fault with its passenger lift, potentially affecting those with mobility needs over the weekend. The St Michael’s Hospice Whitestone Shop & Cafe, a sprawling retail space off Whitestone Business Park nearWithington, confirmed the lift is out of action while repairs proceed. Shoppers are advised to phone ahead to avoid inconvenience at this key community hub.

What Caused the Lift Issue at St Michael’s Hospice Whitestone Shop?

The passenger lift, installed for easy access to the main shop area for wheelchairs and buggies, is temporarily unavailable, as confirmed by a spokesperson for St Michael’s Hospice. As reported in coverage picked up by Yahoo UK News (originating from Hereford Times), the spokesperson stated that works are being carried out to resolve the issue, though it “may continue into the weekend”.

No specific cause for the breakdown was detailed in the announcement, but the lift’s role is critical, located to the right of the main staircase as per official Whitestone FAQs on the hospice website. The facility was part of accessibility upgrades highlighted during the shop’s grand opening in 2024, including redesigned steps and blue badge parking.

This marks a rare disruption for the superstore, which boasts a goods lift for large items but relies on the passenger lift for public access needs.​

How Is St Michael’s Hospice Responding to the Lift Fault?

St Michael’s Hospice has proactively communicated the problem via social media and news channels, emphasising customer safety. The spokesperson said: “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.” They added: “We will endeavour to post any updates on here as we know more.”​

Direct advice targets those planning visits: “If you are planning to visit this weekend and have access needs, we would recommend calling the shop on 01432 802228 before your visit to check the status with the team on site.” The message closed with: “Thank you for your support and understanding.”​

This customer-first approach aligns with the hospice’s commitment to accessibility, as seen in their FAQs detailing over 80 parking spaces, including dedicated bays, and an accessible toilet near the cafe.​

Where Exactly Is the Affected Whitestone Shop Located?

The St Michael’s Hospice Whitestone Shop & Cafe sits off Whitestone Business Park, just outside Hereford, accessible via the A4103 from Hereford-Worcester Road or A438 via Bartestree or Lugwardine. Directions specify turning into the business park and finding the entrance on the right.

Near Withington, the site covers over 14,000 square feet (often cited as the largest charity shop in the Midlands), featuring retail, a cafe, and a rear donation centre open six days a week.

Blue badge parking is on the left upon entry, with adult-and-child spaces marked in blue, supporting family visits alongside the play corner and highchairs.​

What Facilities Does Whitestone Shop Offer Besides the Lift?

Whitestone stands out with diverse offerings: fashion (womenswear, menswear, vintage), home and furniture (including white goods), bridal wear, books/media, children’s items, and upcycled furniture with ReColour chalk paint. Trolleys, changing rooms, and a bridal dressing room are available.​

The cafe serves hot/cold drinks, cakes, paninis, jackets, soup, and sandwiches (lunch 12-3pm), with gluten-free/vegan options and alternative milks. Dogs on leads are welcome, and families enjoy a free play corner (0-12 months enclosed zone), baby changing in the accessible toilet, football table, and arcade.​

Donations go to the rear centre (9am-5pm Tue-Sat, 10am-4pm Sun/holidays), with collection services for large furniture via 01432 656546. Large purchases can use the goods lift Mon-Sat for downstairs pickup.​

Why Is St Michael’s Hospice Whitestone Shop Important to Hereford?

As Herefordshire’s only hospice, St Michael’s relies on shops like Whitestone for vital funds amid funding pressures, where just 15% of £9.5m spending came from statutory sources in 2023. Chief Executive Matt Fellows noted in Your Herefordshire coverage: “With these funding pressures, it’s more important than ever for charities like St Michael’s to find new and innovative ways to bring in money.”​

The site supported 2,353 people last year, marking a record, with Whitestone transforming a former warehouse into a community hub since its 2024 opening. Proceeds aid palliative care, education plans, andlocal services.

Who Will the Lift Breakdown Impact Most?

Customers with access needs, including wheelchair users, buggy-pushing parents, and those with mobility issues, face the biggest hurdles without the passenger lift. Official FAQs stress: “For easy access, we have a passenger lift located to the right of the main staircase into the shop.”

Families may still use stairs, but the hospice urges caution. Sunday operations limit goods lift help for large buys due to reduced staff. Well-behaved dogs remain welcome on leads.​

When Will the Lift Be Fixed at Whitestone?

No firm timeline exists beyond the warning that issues “may continue into the weekend,” with repairs ongoing. Customers should monitor social media or call 01432 802228 for live updates from on-site staff.​

Past posts indicate quick resolutions, like a December note expecting work done by Friday 19th (contextual from Facebook snippet).​

What Alternatives Exist for Access During the Fault?

Stairs remain open, but those with needs should verify via phone. The donation centre and cafe operate normally, with ground-level parking aiding some. Delivery quotes for large items are available on request.

The accessible toilet and play facilities persist unaffected. Hospice’s 18 other shops continue unaffected.

How Does This Fit St Michael’s Hospice Broader Mission?

St Michael’s Hospice, based in Bartestree , delivers palliative care across Herefordshire and borders, marking 40 years amid rising demand.

Whitestone embodies innovation, blending retail, upcycling, and community spaces to fund care where community support fills funding gaps. Matt Fellows affirmed: “The picture at St Michael’s is a lot more positive, thanks in no small part to our wonderful community of fundraisers and shoppers.”