Sign of the times: Another Food Bank in Salford

BARBARA Keeley, MP for Worsley and Eccles South, opened a new food bank yesterday at Cleggs Lane Methodist Church, in Little Hulton, Salford, the service is designed to help people struggling to put food in their stomachs during the recession.  While Worsley is a relatively posh area of Salford, Little Hulton is much more down-beat with a large area of social housing.

The new service was launched from 11am yesterday at the church in Cleggs Lane.  Among those in attendance were pupils from Harrop Fold School and Dukesgate Academy, who performed songs and poems, and, of course,  Barbara Keeley, MP for Worsley and Eccles South, addressed the gathering. 

It had been uncertain if Ms. Keeley would attend owing to other duties and it had been hard to get anyone else to cut the ribbon at the opening of the food bank, but as soon as it was announced that she would be there, other local politicians flew in to get a perch at the event like a flock of incontinent parrots.

The outlet will be run by the same people behind the Farnworth and Kearsley Foodbank, in conjunction with national charity Trussel Trust. It will support people living in Little Hulton, including those living on four neighbouring housing estates, and will also serve Walkden.

The Rev Philip Brooks, a minister at the church, said: 'We feel that the new food bank at Cleggs Lane will be a vital addition to local provision, as all the indications are that food poverty in Little Hulton will worsen.'

Visitors will be able to find out about the food bank and the work already being done by Farnworth and Kearsley Foodbank and Trussel Trust.