A COUNCILLOR called for the Prime Minister to help save a Basildon food bank that is more than £16,000 in debt.

Tins and Things, which owes £10,000 rent for its warehouse in Seax Way, Laindon, has now received a bill for £6,000 unpaid tax from Basildon Council.

Gavin Callaghan, Labour councillor for Pitsea North West, urged David Cameron to ask the council to grant the service a stay of execution.

Mr Callaghan said: “The individuals that run this organisation do not profess to be accountants or business managers. They are simply volunteers running a facility for the good of the community in Laindon and Basildon west.

“They are completing a National Lottery grant application for funding, which they hope will provide the necessary capital to pay back what is owed and secure the food bank’s long-term financial future.”

The food bank, operated by Choices Family Support Service, last month persuaded bailiffs not to seize food parcels and cooking equipment.

Basildon Council has offered to knock 40 per cent off the tax bill, but another £1,000 in rent is due on Christmas day.

The food bank, which opened 12 months ago, has provided about 20,000 meals to more than 500 families across Basildon.

Clients are referred by the council and other local authorities, but it receives no money towards running costs.

It has been so overwhelmed with people needing help it has a chronic shortage of food, forcing bosses to spend the charity’s rent money on food parcels.

Susanna Caira-Neeson, managing director of Choices Family Support Service, said: “We are desperate for food now.

“I bought food out of my own pocket on Monday and we have already got through most of it.

“We do collections from time-to-time and try to do campaigns, but we have not had much success “We are working within our community and we know what our clients need.”

A council spokesman said: “The council is able to confirm discretionary relief has been awarded.

“However, as this not-forprofit organisation is not a registered charity, it does do not qualify for mandatory support or any further financial support at this stage.

“The council has been very supportive and aims to support the organisation further with small repayment arrangements to hold off any further action, whilst they await funding.’’ To support the food bank fund, visit www.choices family.co.uk/ and click on the blue “Donate” button in the bottom right hand corner.