The Cottam community helping to feed families in need

Trevor Hart, former Mayor of Preston, now uses his position as the chair of the Cottam community association to donate food to nearby foodbanks, schools and families.

When the Cottam community centre, on Haydocks Lane, closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Trevor wanted to continue using the space and rallied round local volunteers to prepare bags of food.

He introduced 'drop off' boxes which were placed outside the community centre, giving local people the opportunity to donate unwanted food and toiletries at any time.

They also had large donations from the Cottam post office and Fox Contractors last Friday, February 12.

Trevor said: "When the community centre first closed because of Covid, we had this big empty space that wasn't being used at all. I knew we could easily use the space to sort through donated food that we could then give to food banks and families who were struggling.

"It first started with two drop-off boxes, with no time restrictions so anyone could donate food at a time that suited them. Myself and the committee then emptied them every day and we separated them out into the different types of donated goods.

"Each week they are bagged up and taken to different food banks and individuals who have contacted us and told us that they are struggling to provide for their families.

"The amount of food we had donated was amazing. We only thought we would get a little, but it has almost been like a full-time job managing it. It has been fantastic and really helped to bring the community together."

And every Thursday, Trevor drops off bags of the donated food to the Share IT food bank at Ingol's St Margaret's Church and at Ingol Community Primary school who then distribute it to families who are struggling to make ends meet.

They are also frequently contacted directly by families and parents who have faced financial strain during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Trevor added: "It is so important to help support anyone we can during this difficult time. The community spirit in Cottam has grown and everyone just wants to support one another. In a distant way, it has been amazing.

"Everyone now knows everyone and help is coming in bucket loads. It shows that our community cares and showcases how the community can come together and really make a difference."

The former Mayor has also been in touch with Lancashire County Council to get the equipment to organise frequent community litter picks - something he says the residents want to be involved in.

He said that neighbouring communities passing through the village, along with drug trades and groups of youths have caused an increase in litter in the area.

He added: "Litter attracts litter, and recently the area has been used for drugs and youths who visit or camp out here and leave litter behind them.

"Just in the same way that we want to get food to families, the community are eager to do something about the litter. I took my granddaughter out with me and she loved it.

"It is a great way for families to get out together in the area and make a difference by doing something useful."

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