2020 Textiles – based in West Drayton – and its management, was ordered to pay out more than £14,000 after setting up textile donation banks illegally – and then selling the clothes for profit.
A company based in West Drayton has been ordered to pay more than £14,000 in fines and costs after it was found guilty of placing illegal textile donation banks and selling the collected clothes for profit. Ealing Council took legal action against 2020 Textiles, whose donation banks misled residents into believing they were supporting charities.
The company, operating out of Horton Close, strategically placed the collection banks across west London, including seven within Ealing borough. These banks resembled charity clothing collection points, encouraging residents to donate clothing under the assumption they were contributing to charitable causes. However, it was revealed in court that the company sold the donated items for financial gain.
“It is a callous way of taking advantage of residents’ good nature, to make money for themselves. And it takes away donations from the real charities trying to help people in need.”
Paul Driscoll, Councillor
Ealing Council’s officers discovered the illegal banks in 2023 and swiftly ensured their removal. The council pursued legal action against the company and its two owners, leading to a hearing at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on 11 February. The court heard that the company was jointly owned by Michael Hards, of Kneller Road, Witton, and Rajesh Voralia, of Longfield Drive, Sheen.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that Mr Voralia was responsible for the day-to-day running of the business. Already barred from serving as a company director following a separate court case in 2020, he admitted to managing the company and acknowledged it was operated for profit. Mr Hards, on the other hand, was found to have had no role in the management of the company, with his involvement limited to maintenance work.
The court held Mr Voralia primarily accountable for the offences, and he faced significant penalties alongside the company. In total, the company was fined £8,000, with additional costs and surcharges taking the total to £14,143.
Councillor Paul Driscoll, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for climate action, condemned the actions of 2020 Textiles, calling the scheme deceitful and harmful to the community. He explained how the illegal banks diverted donations away from legitimate charities like the Salvation Army, which rely on such contributions to help those in need.
“This is a callous way of taking advantage of residents’ good nature. People donated clothing in good faith, believing they were helping a charitable cause, only for their items to be sold for profit. It is anti-social and deceitful, and it undermines the efforts of genuine charities,” Driscoll said.
The councillor praised the council’s enforcement officers for their swift action in removing the illegal banks and ensuring the company faced justice. He added that the council would not tolerate such actions in the borough.
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