Foodbank in trouble as it struggles to meet rent.

Council offered to help find other premises after cash help request

Foodbank bosses in Perth are facing a Christmas crisis after failing to secure crucial financial backing.

Charity chiefs approached Perth and Kinross Council for help toward their hefty £14,000-a-year rent.

However, local authority officers refused to commit, the charity said, offering instead to help the foodbank relocate to cheaper premises.

And chairman, the Rev Michael Archibald, said the group could fold without assistance.

The busy Perth city centre charity, which provides emergency supplies to about 70 people each week, has been running for four years and moved to its base at Cutlog Vennel, off the high street, in 2016.

Last year, it gave out more than 3,400 packages of food and essential supplies.

Mr Archibald said: “I thought that the time had come to seek some help with paying our rent.

“We had a meeting with people at the council, but were told ‘sorry, we don’t have the money’.

“The bit that gets me is that, I’m well aware they have no money — but neither has any other council.

“And most other councils are able to at least furnish their foodbanks with premises.”

You look at some of the money the council here is spending on Christmas decorations and farcical things in Perth. It doesn’t look like they’ve got no money to me. THE REV MICHAEL ARCHIBOLD

He added: “You look at some of the money the council here is spending on Christmas decorations and farcical things in Perth. It doesn’t look like they’ve got no money to me.

“If we don’t get help, we will be closed within a year.

“I said if we go, then the council will have to feed these people. And if they’re not going to feed these people, then they’ll be letting them starve.”

Perthshire South and Kinross-shire MSP Roseanna Cunningham, who was approached by the foodbank team after their plea was rejected, said: “The work the staff and volunteers do is absolutely fantastic and I am extremely concerned to learn that the long-term future of their operation is under threat.

“I would urge the administration of Perth and Kinross Council to show a bit of Christmas spirit.”

North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart added: “Especially at this time of year, it is important for the Tory Scrooges to realise the true value of this charity and not simply the cost.”

A council spokeswoman said: “The council has not received a formal application from the Perth and Kinross Foodbank for funding.

“Discussions are, however, ongoing with senior officers regarding finding alternative premises in the city centre for the foodbank to consider to help cut costs.

“A meeting will be arranged in the coming weeks to look at the available options.”

She added: “Officers from the council would also be happy to meet with representatives from the foodbank to provide advice on the funding channels available to them and on how to apply.”

Picture: Fraser Band. Marjorie Clark in the Perth foodbank stores. The charity wanted assistance with its rent but Perth and Kinross Council said it could not help out.