WHEN Colchester Foodbank started up at Moorside Business Park 10 years ago, it was only supposed to be a temporary fix.

No-one could have imagined the fight to feed those in need would be a life-long plight.

The Trussell Trust, the umbrella body for foodbanks, released a report with the latest user figures, and how benefit changes will affect this.

One of the Colchester Foodbank volunteers also researched the worst affected areas in Colchester - Greenstead, Newtown and Monkwick.

The main reasons for residents turning to foodbanks are debt, benefit changes, low income and ill health.

Michael Beckett, manager at the Colchester Foodbank, said unfortunately it was the way of the world, but he is preparing to take action.

He said: "The figures from this research make sense, I know the Government doesn't appear to be taking seriously the data that has been offered to them.

"They have accused it of being anecdotal. I don't think they are interested enough to take a look, that' my personal perception."

At the Colchester Foodbank alone there has been a 13.5 per cent increase in demand in the last financial year, which is just above the national average of 13 per cent.

It is also up three per cent from the year before.

Mr Beckett said: "The statistics show there is a growing demand for the service which isn't what we want to see, but we don't want to leave people starving."

Nothing can necessarily be done to stop this from happening, but there is a way in which we can make help more sustainable.

Colchester Foodbank is looking into the possibility of taking on its own building, which they will get a commercial mortgage for.

They are looking to raise £200,000 in the first instance to secure a mortgage on a site close to their current building.

It is a lot of money, but it may be the only way forward.

Mr Beckett added: "We thought we would be a temporary solution but the stats and demand are going the other way.

"We are spending £20,000 a year to run and insure our current building, which is our single largest expense.

"We are looking at reducing the costs by getting a commercial mortgage on a building. We are looking at five years to raise the money unless we can get grant funding.

"How many more decades will we be active? People didn't expect us to still be here."

He said if of course hunger in Colchester is resolved, the foodbank would sell or donate the building to another local charity tackling poverty.

To help generate funding, a Premises Fund has been set up with the Co-operative Bank.

Donations can be made to: Account name: Colchester Foodbank

Account number: 65361687

Sort Code: 08/92/99

Are you a foodbank customer? If you are happy to share your story with us and raise awareness please email katherine.palmer@newsquest.co.uk or call 01206 508414.

Alternatively contact Colchester Foodbank, who will put you in contact with a reporter.