LOCALS FEELING FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF PANDEMIC 'STILL FALLING THROUGH THE GAPS'

CONCERNS that cash-strapped people in Atherstone and district are still "falling through the gaps" of Government-assisted schemes have prompted a former town councillor to launch a new Covid support service.

The Atherstone Matters project got underway at the weekend, delivering 15 boxes of food and other essentials to those "feeling the financial effects" of the pandemic.

Ex Atherstone town and county councillor Chris Clark is also hoping his initiative will benefit people working long hours who are unable to get to the shops.

The 34-year-old has been personally hit by the fallout from coronavirus lockdown measures – with his print business, The Campaign House, closed at the moment and his part-time bar work at the Maid of the Mill pub in Coleshill Road on a likely "long-term hold".

So he decided to "usefully" fill his downtime with a scheme which is being funded on a weekly basis by grants given by Atherstone borough councillors Neil Dirveiks and Councillor Dawn Downes – on whose behalf it is being run.

Cllr Downes works full time at George Eliot hospital in Nuneaton while Cllr Dirveiks has been in lockdown for many weeks – safeguarding his wife, Cllr Lorna Dirveiks, who is at the highest level of vulnerability.

"Financial support is still not in place for everyone with people falling through the gaps ," Mr Clark told Nub News.

His comments came as urgent action is still needed to make it easier for vulnerable people to access supermarket delivery slots and other sources of supplies, according to Which?

The consumer group argued the current system is not working for those who need it the most, leaving vulnerable people at risk of going hungry.

It said it is continuing to hear from people who are struggling to book supermarket delivery slots, unable to find the help they need locally, and in some cases find themselves forced to risk their health to get supplies.

Some vulnerable customers have told Which? that they are staying up into the early hours of the morning in an attempt to book supermarket delivery slots, while others are relying on the kindness of neighbours.

Which? has gathered over 1,000 reports of people who have struggled to access food and supplies amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Mr Clark said the first round of support saw his volunteers make up 15 boxes with 17 items inside each one, including fresh fruit and vegetables, milk, cereal and tea. Eight were pre-ordered with referrals from Atherstone Town Council and North Warwickshire Borough Council.

Recipients were elderly people, lone parents and families with young children who were all delighted with the service, he said.

His second delivery – scheduled for Sunday – will see 26 'customised' boxes made up with cheese and coffee added to the original basics of bread, milk and butter.

"We intend to put between 10 and 20 items inside and for single parents and large families there will be nappies and other baby items as standard," he said.

Mr Clark added: "Our residents need support. It is just important that people who can do with the help are supplied.

"Ediblelinks do a fantastic job. But there is a limit to what they can do."

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