A NEW foodbank is being set up in Bishop Auckland town centre in an effort to cope with the increasing number of people needing the service.

It will be run from the Wear Valley Christian Centre, on South Church Road, and is expected to deal with up to 26 families in the first week when it opens in about a month.

The food will be provided from the Durham Christian Partnership’s base in County Durham, together with support from The Trussell Trust, but organisers in Bishop Auckland are appealing for people living in the town to donate non-perishable items.

The nearest foodbanks are on the Woodhouse House Close Estate and at West Auckland but this is the first one in the town centre.

David Parry, minister at the Wear Valley Christian Centre, said there is a need for a foodbank in the centre of the town because those using the service are unlikely to have money to spare on transport to get to other locations.

He said: “We were asked quite a while ago if we could set up a foodbank and we are now in a position to set one up. There is definitely a demand for it.

“It seems to be the people facing benefits changes who are in most need.

“It is going to work on a voucher system, which means people will need to be referred from places like their GP, the job centre and Citizens Advice.

“The Durham Christian Partnership has connections with the supermarkets so we will get food from there but donations will be very welcome.”

Non-perishable items requested included tinned food, cereals, tea and coffee, pasta, UHT or powdered milk, biscuits and fruit juice.

Anyone wishing to volunteer alongside Allan and Brenda Lodge-Metcalfe, who will be leading the scheme, will be required to hand out food and make food parcels.

The service will be available every Wednesday, between 10am and 1pm, when the internet cafe will also be available to provide help and support for benefits and job applications, together with an opportunity to learn basic computer skills.

Members of the public are invited to a public meeting on Monday, November 3, at 7.30pm to find out more details about the centre’s foodbank plans.

Anyone wanting to donate food or volunteer can call Yvonne Etherington on 07824 861685.