A COUNCILLOR has restated his concerns about the running of an East Lancashire foodbank.

Conservative David Foxcroft has written to Mark Stapleton, chair of the Ratwenstall RAFT Foundation calling for more ‘openness and transparency’ about its operations.

His letter is a follow up to one he wrote in March calling for more financial information about how it runs Rossendale’s foodbank.

The Mid-Rossendale representative on Lancashire County Council, tells Mr Stapleton: “I have yet to receive a response from yourself and RAFT to my previous letter

“RAFT and many of the volunteers involved do a huge amount of positive work across our borough. The shared interest of all is to have a properly constituted food bank operating with complete transparency and oversight. This will enable many more to come forwards and support without any lingering questions.”

He questions the organisations failure to register as a charity and with the Information Commissioner.

RAFT’s volunteer organiser Caroline Collins said: “County Cllr Foxcroft’s original letter was sent in the run-up to local elections.

“We are a transparent organisations. We have completed our annual checks with the Information Commissioner.

“Both he and the Charity Commission, whom we have also been in touch with, say there is no need for us to register with them.

“We would be happy to meet with Cllr Foxcroft to discuss with him his concerns and our concerns about the increasing demand on foodbanks.”

Rossendale Council leader Cllr Alyson Barnes and Hyndburn MP Graham Jones have previously expressed concerns about the running of RAFT.