Oswestry and Borders Foodbank has made assurances that there is plenty of stock available for those that use the service amid the coronavirus outbreak, despite closing one of its branches.

The foodbank, which has bases in Oswestry and Ellesmere, and its volunteers have been closely following the NHS advice following the news of COVID-19 cases across the county.

However the decision has been taken to close the Ellesmere branch and work solely out of the Oswestry premises in Beatrice Street to allow more control of the food that is going in and out of the foodbank – but those who receive help in the Ellesmere area will still receive it.

Liz Jermy, the manager of the foodbank, said that people have been generous in their donations despite the news of panic-buying in the UK.

“We still have plenty in stock and people are continuing to donate, which is great,” said Liz.

“We will still be collecting donations from Sainsburys in Oswestry and Tesco in Ellesmere, and our opening times in Oswestry will remain the same on Mondays and Thursdays, from 11am to 2pm.

“Many of our volunteers are over 70 so obviously they have taken a step back after it was announced that people of that age would need to self isolate, but we’re lucky that we have so many volunteers that are willing to help.”

Liz said that all members of staff have been following the NHS guidelines, regularly washing their hands and avoiding touching their face, and have taken the decision to not serve teas and coffees, meaning visitors collect their food and go.

“We know that there is a chance that there could be a higher level of need in the coming weeks, but we are not a substitute for a supermarket,” continued Liz. “We will only be helping people out who meet the foodbank criteria; the needy and vulnerable. There is still food in the supermarkets and if people can donate, it’s always welcome.”

For those who visit the Ellesmere branch, Liz advised ringing support workers to organise future collections.