Desperate residents relying on Blackburn foodbank blasted with ‘rats, drunks and drug user’ complaints

Regular users of a community foodbank have defended those behind it after a series of complaints were made about “rats, drunks and drug users”.

Blackburn with Darwen Youth Awareness Project launched its free food collection service during the Covid pandemic when residents in the Queens Park area of Blackburn were struggling amid rising costs, unemployment and lockdown restrictions. The community foodbank, operated from a shed and cupboards at the front of Mohammed Kathrada’s property in Queens Park Road, has continued to be a “vital service” for those in need ever since.

But earlier this week Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s planning committee was made aware of a petition signed by 25 residents who object to the foodbank with complaints alleging the community facility was attracting “rats, drunks and drug users”. A rival petition, in support of the foodbank, has attracted 204 signatures.

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LancsLive spoke to one regular user of the foodbank who cycles all the way from Shadsworth every three days in order to collect bread. Stephen Slater, 65, said the foodbank offered a “vital service” for hard-up residents. “I come here every three or four days.”

He added:. “I think supermarkets are cashing in on the cost of living crisis and they’re taking advantage. A tin of corned beef used to be about £1.40 and now it’s £3.50. People are really struggling and I don’t understand why anyone would object to this. It’s helped a lot of homeless people who would otherwise go hungry.”

Another local, who asked not to be identified and requested we only use her surname, said she walks down to the foodbank most days. With four daughters, two sons and three grandchildren who visit her every day for lunch she is feeling the pinch.

When asked what she thought about the people who have complained about the foodbank Mrs Sisimtiaz said: “What can I say? Perhaps they’re not finding it as hard as others are.

“Not only is it offering food for people but a lot of Asian ladies come here and have a chat with each other. It helps us socially too. It’s not always possible to go to the shops and it’s so expensive nowadays.

“I’ve come here before and there’s been people queuing up so it’s obviously needed. The people who are running this are heroes.”

Imran, who asked to only be referred to by his first name, walks all the way down Queens Park Road every other day to access the foodbank. “If the council has such an issue with it then why aren’t those in authority doing more to help people who can’t afford to feed their families,” he said.

“Some people just like to complain. These people [running the foodbank] are doing their bit to help their fellow man, and woman, and I just don’t see what the problem is.”

Those who run the foodbank make daily visits to local supermarkets asking if they can donate any surplus food. Co-op, Tesco and Aldi are among the big-name retailers who have kindly donated while residents who use the facility can choose to make a donation.

Mohammed Kathrada, from whose front garden the foodbank is run, said he would wait until the outcome of the council’s deliberations before making any comment.

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