A NEW foodbank will open in Brightlingsea to help people who are struggling to make ends meet.

Residents currently have to travel to foodbanks in Clacton or Colchester to pick up food parcels.

Win Pomroy, 69, of Planton Way, decided it was time to set up one in Brightlingsea.

The former hospital A&E worker said: “I have seen a lot of people in deprivation and it was something I promised myself I would do when I retired.

“It’s not just about handing out bags of food, it’s finding out what led people to be in this situation and finding them further help.”

She added: “Unfortunately, many people still think of homeless, drug addicts and alcoholics when foodbanks are mentioned.

“They only make up less than one per cent of Colchester Foodbank’s clients.

“It is very much more likely to be a family who, through no fault of their own, have reached a crisis point in their lives and need a little support.”

Food is currently taken to a Colchester warehouse.

Three churches have now been listed as potential venues for the foodbank, which will open for two hours, once a week.

Volunteers can contact Win at win.pomroy@gmail.com or on 01206 303902.