Christmas gift for area’s foodbanks

Members of Sutton’s area committee agreed to donate the budget surplus, which has been accrued from unpaid council wages during strike action.

The money will be divided equally between foodbanks in all four Sutton Wards.

Eric Saxton, of St Mary’s Foodbank, said the donation was a wonderful gesture.

He added: “It is money well spent. It will mean we are able to do better things for those who come in - especially with it being Christmas time.

“We would hope to be able to provide some toys and sweets for the children and the money would last us well into the new year.”

Sutton Area Committee members voted unanimously in favour of the motion, which was put forward by Kier Barsby, member for Sutton East ward.

Said Mr Barsby: “It is a hell of a lot of money for foodbanks and I think this help a lot of families.

“It will mean a much better Christmas than most of them were expecting.”

Jim Aspinall, member for Sutton Central ward, said: “We must do everything we can during these difficult times.

“It is an absolute disgrace in the 21st century that we have to do this, but there we are.

“I think this money will make a huge difference to struggling families at Christmas.”

St Mary’s Foodbank, based at St Mary’s Church, Church Avenue, Sutton, will be open on 23rd and 30th December between 1.30-3pm but will revert back to Fridays as of 9th January.

Visitors can sit down and talk over a meal of soup and a roll, complete with hot and soft drinks.

Any donations of nonperishable food items will also be gladly received on those days.