CHURCHES will bring food to the doors of struggling Oswaldtwistle residents when the first foodbank in the town opens its doors next week.

All eleven parishes in the community came together to create a donation centre at Harvey Street Community Centre in September after realising local need for the scheme.

Fifteen bins have been distributed in primary schools, supermarkets, businesses and even GP surgeries to collect non-perishable foods which will be distributed to families and individuals by 40 volunteers.

Residents will be able to pick up food parcels every Monday from 1pm to 5pm with vouchers handed out by social services and support agencies such as Citizens Advice Bureau .

The volunteers hope that the foodbank will reduce the need for people to spend money travelling to the current closest food pick up points in Accrington and Blackburn.

Starting as a 20 week scheme volunteers hope that if its successful it will continue to run next year.

One of the founders, Eve Gattei who attends St Mary’s Church, said: “Sadly like a lot of other places in the UK at the moment Oswaldtwistle has a big need for a local scheme and we want to help residents as best we can.

“People can quickly realise that they need help if they lose their job or have to claim for new benefits which can take weeks to process.

“We’ve had a really positive response and hope to keep adding collection points and take on more volunteers as the scheme grows.

“Although there are very good schemes already in operation in Blackburn and Accrington some people from our area are having to pay bus fare to collect their parcels when they don’t have a lot of money spare.

“We plan to work alongside the other foodbanks and hope that together we can make a positive difference and increase links with all the churches in the town at the same time.

“We are also looking for donations from anyone who would like to help us pay for the community centre hire and travel or for food donations to ensure our project can keep running over the winter months.”

If interested in making a donation call 01254 237855 or email gattei@hotmail.com.