CONCERNS have been raised over the potential for food waste after cartoons of milk were "dumped" outside a new community supermarket which has not yet opened.

The Colchester Community Supermarket is set to launch on Friday, providing residents-in-need with access to discounted food and household items.

The new store is located at 5 The Centre, Hawthorn Avenue, in Greenstead, just opposite the foodbank, which can be found at 7 The Centre.

Ahead of the opening of the supermarket, concerned resident Mrs Carter contacted the Gazette to say she had spotted a number of boxes and milk cartons which she believed had been “dumped” outside.

Gazette: Dumped - items outside Colchester Community SupermarketDumped - items outside Colchester Community Supermarket (Image: Public)

She said: “What a waste, the place isn’t open, the place hasn’t been open, there’s people been drifting in and out for months. 

“If it was going to be given away it could have been given to people in need.

“I’m concerned, as it looks like good food is going to waste."

Gazette: Opening - Natalie Sommers, Stephen Onichabo, Elizabeth Akinyemi and Julie Youngr, Opening - Natalie Sommers, Stephen Onichabo, Elizabeth Akinyemi and Julie Youngr, (Image: Steve Brading)

Julie Young, ward councillor for Greenstead, says she now expects a strong partnership to be formed between the supermarket and the foodbank

She added: "Ward councillors have been deeply involved in setting up both the much used foodbank here in Greenstead and the community supermarket.

“Many residents who are on low income but don't use the foodbank can take advantage of lower prices at the supermarket.

“Having both a community supermarket and a food bank shouldn't be needed but the cost-of-living crisis means feeding a family is beyond the means of many."

The community supermarket is funded entirely by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a government initiative dedicated to supporting communities across the UK.

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “Colchester Council submitted a detailed plan outlining how these funds would improve the lives of residents, which was subsequently approved.

“We believe this project will be a valuable asset, addressing food affordability concerns while fostering a strong sense of community.

“We encourage residents to visit the supermarket, learn more about its impact, and engage in its future development, as this is ultimately a collaborative effort to serve the needs of the Greenstead community.”