A meeting of Maldon District Council on Thursday (18 March) will discuss a motion to set up foodbanks in both Maldon and Burnham-on-Crouch town centres.

The proposal to set up the facility in Maldon District Council's offices in Princes Road and at an unspecified location in Burnham has been made by Councillor Chrisy Morris and seconded by Councillor Vanessa Bell.

The motion on the meeting agenda reads: "In view of the current difficulties our community faces, Maldon District Council pledges to operate a foodbank to help the vulnerable people of our district that will be located within the council offices in Maldon, as well as any suitable location at Burnham-on-Crouch, as soon as possible."

In a separate comment, Cllr Morris said: "I've sadly noticed an increase in residents struggling and believe this motion is needed to help them.

"I hope this will enable us to get everything in place to help those who need it, when the council offices reopen, hopefully there should be a food bank available for the whole district's residents to use, if they are experiencing hard times.

"I hope that all my fellow councillors support this as it will be very beneficial to those who most need it. Myself and my fellow councillors at Heybridge Parish Council have established a food bank at Plantation Hall on Fridays for Heybridge residents and I now hope we open foodbanks up in Maldon and Burnham for all residents of the district.

"I hope this shows we care and want to help our residents as no-one should go hungry."