Cleckheaton food bank gets funding boost to help the community

The new project, set up at Easter to help the vulnerable during the ongoing coronavirus emergency, is being run by local churches.

It has already secured the support of the public, local organisations such as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association (AMWA), the Chamber of Trade and the Rotary Club.

The volunteer-supported service has been described as “a community response” to local needs.

Organised and operated by Churches Together it has been formally backed by Kirklees Council through via money released from increased ward budgets.

“It seems to be just what people want in this area,” said Clr John Lawson, group leader for the Lib Dems and a member for Cleckheaton.

“The current situation is going to get worse. We are trying to build a bit of resilience locally.”

Councillor Lawson is just one of the individuals involved in the scheme, which is being spearheaded by local vicars Brunel James, of St Luke’s in Cleckheaton, and Ray Borrett of Cleckheaton Methodist Church.

The foodbank got up and running with a donation of food by the AMWA.

Local supermarkets have also been quick to get involved.

Coun Lawson also praised local volunteers for stepping up to assist.

“They are pouring through the door.

“People are really eager to help.

“We are not short of numbers. There is something happening in local neighbourhoods that is quite uplifting.”

The Cleckheaton Foodbank is the latest project to receive financial backing from Kirklees Council.

The authority has also given money towards Denby Dale Centre, which set up the HD8 Coronavirus Group to shop for people that are unable to venture outside, pick up prescriptions, walk dogs and act as a “telephone buddy” for the lonely.

Meanwhile in Dewsbury Labour councillors Masood Ahmed and Gulfam Asif have been sourcing food and hygiene products to be delivered to elderly and housebound people.