WREXHAM Foodbank has closed one of its services after many of its volunteers had to step down due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The charity, which seeks to provide emergency food parcels for those people who hit a crisis financially and cannot feed themselves or their families, took to social media on March 27, to inform the public of its decision to close its Bradley Road service.

A spokesman posted: "Bradley Road Satellite closed.

"As we continue to review our service we have decided to close this distribution point with immediate effect.

"Please see our website www.wrexham.foodbank.org.uk/locations for current opening times."

Project manager Sally Ellinson told the Leader: "Wrexham Foodbank's volunteers are still providing three-day food parcels to those in Wrexham in financial crisis who have been referred by frontline professionals such as the Job Centre, Citizen's Advice Bureau, schools, council departments such as Housing and Family Support, as well as many local charities and organisations.

"Most of these organisations are now operating via telephone and e-mailing their referrals to the Foodbank so that those in need can then either collect their food parcel from one of the distribution satellites or request a home delivery.

"Home deliveries are being made possible thanks to Rhosddu Carpets offering their vans and staff.

"The vast majority of the volunteers who run the Foodbank have had to step down due to being vulnerable to the virus but many others have kindly come forward to fulfil the roles.

"Five of the seven distribution satellites are still running, although befriending and signposting facilities have had to be stopped.

"Food stocks are quite good due to the influx of donations during the Christmas period but are diminishing rapidly and although some people have been extremely generous in thinking of the Foodbank in recent weeks we do need these donations to continue in order to meet demand.

"The warehouse continues to be open on Tuesdays and Fridays to receive donations and there are donation points in Tesco, Asda and Sainsburys.

"To keep up to date with our locations and opening times or what we need please look on our website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter."

Earlier this month, the Leader reported that the Trussell Trust have made preparations for any potential disruptions caused by the coronavirus and warned that the virus may cause an increased demand for food banks as people lose income.

Chief executive, Emma Revie, said: "Time and again over the past decade, food banks across the UK – aided by a generous public who have donated time, food and money – have stepped up to protect people on the lowest incomes in our communities.

"But with the spread of coronavirus we all now face an unprecedented challenge and uncertain future.

"It is possible that food banks will face increased demand as people lose income, at the same time as food donations drop or staff and volunteers are unavailable, due to measures rightly put in place to slow the spread of infection.

"All of this comes when food banks are already dealing with a record level of need for emergency food."