A CHARITY that helps older people and those with mental health problems has become the latest organisation to be hit by ongoing tram works.
Voluntary Action Broxtowe says it has had to cancel events and close the doors of its office in Chilwell Road, Beeston, due to roadworks outside.
Staff made the decision to shut for two weeks after two elderly people fell over outside its Oban House headquarters, after tripping over the uneven road surface.
Chief officer Linda Button said: "We have been a victim of the tram works for the last 18 months. To raise money we hold a vintage tea party every Friday and it is very popular with elderly people, but three weeks ago two of them fell outside.
"Because we deal with a lot of elderly people we had to close because things were getting worse and worse.
"We reopened last week because we just can't justify being closed for so long, but we are losing money because we are keeping the tea shop closed for safety."
The charity also provides volunteer opportunities and relies on donations.
Officer manager Alison Linton said: "People are avoiding us because it is noisy and dirty all the time. We have a car-boot sale planned for Friday, but until the day before we will not know if it can go ahead.
"Our tea party and car boots are important events for us because they help keep us afloat and pay our rent."
Broxtowe MP Anna Soubry has called for there to be more communication between contractors and the public.
She said: "The charity contacted me to tell me they were closing. I think there is a general lack of communication which makes it very hard for everyone."
A spokesman for NET Phase Two construction contractor Taylor Woodrow Alstom, said: "Throughout the works we have attempted to keep local businesses and organisations informed about any access restrictions or roadworks in the vicinity of their properties.
"We have worked alongside them to minimise disruption as far as possible."
And Chris Deas, project director for Nottingham City Council, said: "We are sorry to hear about Voluntary Action Broxtowe's concerns, and are in discussions with them at the moment to see whether assistance can be provided to them."