BLAENAVON Town Council has bolstered supplies at the town’s foodbank after being made aware of a shortage due to an increase in public demand in supermarkets.

The foodbank was running low of supplies, such as toiletries, nappies and baby milk, after shop shelves had been left bare by people buying more than they need.

Clerk Kevin Warren, Cllr Emma Harvey and foodbank coordinator Suzanne Walters went to stock up on extras and essential everyday items.

The foodbank is run by Victory Church in Broad Street and takes place every Thursday from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

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Users have to be referred in order to be able to receive produce, either by a GP or an agency such as health visitors, social workers and Citizens Advice.

Healthy Blaenavon Officer Rebecca Smith can also refer people and is available on 01495 790643 or by emailing rebecca.smith@blaenavontowncouncil.co.uk.

A collection point for people wanting to donate will be at Jadeni Hair Design also in Broad Street.

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(Blaenavon foodbank coordinator Suzanne Walters. Picture: Blaenavon Town Council)

Mr Warren said: “Figures released by The Trussell Trust, the charity that started foodbanks, show that more people are using foodbanks during this difficult period due to the shortage of supplies.

"We didn’t want to see vulnerable people in our community struggling to eat or with hygiene issues during this current worrying time, so we took the decision to ensure that they don’t have to.”

Mr Warren also paid tribute to the volunteers of Victory Church for turning up every week to run the service to support people who are more deprived than most.

Cllr Harvey said: “It’s important for the whole community to pull together at this difficult time.

“This is a core function for the Town Council which has today made a positive step to support the wellbeing.”