Foodbank badly affected by flood

Food containers floating in flood water at Rochdale Foodbank

Rochdale Foodbank was badly affected by flood water on Boxing Day and up to 50% of the stock may have to be discarded.

The water level inside the warehouse rose to around two feet. The main food bank (next door to the warehouse) was protected to some extent by the three steps outside the premises, hence the water did not reach the same height.

Stock was above the water line, and hence is free of damage, has been moved to a safe area and can be used as a working stock in the coming weeks. Around 50% of the stock has been damaged.

The clear up operation in both premises will take some time and the council has agreed to the food bank operating from the Town Hall temporarily.

Foodbank trustee Martin Coupe said: Our volunteers will be on hand at the Town Hall each week day from 11.00 until 12.50 as usual. We have transferred sufficient stock there to cope with our normal demands. We are grateful to the Council for all their help and support.

"We must also pay tribute to the many volunteers including our own staff who have helped relocate our working stock.

"We must also thank and pay tribute to the people of Rochdale who have donated great quantities of food over harvest time and Christmas. However, we cannot accommodate any new supplies until it is suitable to function again from the premises at South Parade."

Rochdale Online will inform readers when the food bank can accept further donations.