THE number of people using an Evesham foodbank is on course to double this year.

The dramatic increase in the number of residents needing the emergency food service has led Evesham Reverend David Haslam to appeal to the town’s MP to highlight the problem.

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff heard the plea when he visited the Caring Hands food bank and diner based at the Vale Christian Centre in Evesham.

Diane Bennett, from Caring Hands, presented figures showing the numbers using the centre could well double from 250 in 2012/13 to 500 in 2013/14.

Rev Haslam, convenor of EDJEN (Evesham and District Justice and Equality Network) which co-ordinated the visit, said: “There is a real difference of opinion about Government policies on welfare reform and how they are affecting some local people. Hopefully Mr Luff will convey the depth of concern now being felt by churches and other agencies who are having to fill the gaps which national policy is creating.

“There is particular anxiety about the so-called bedroom tax and what it means to families and disabled people.”

During the visit to the centre, which opens for two hours on Monday and Wednesday, 10 people arrived to collect food parcels.

Mr Luff was shown the range of foodstuffs, clothing, sleeping bags and tents made available by referral to homeless people and particular cases were highlighted.

In one instance a man who needed to start work at 4.30am about 12 miles away found himself paying more in taxi fares than he earned, yet if he refused the job he would lose his benefit payment.

Mr Luff said: “Caring Hands is a fantastic place.

The volunteers are doing a very important job. With any changes there are always winners and losers. There are people who are disadvantaged during the process of change. That is why I am so glad Caring Hands exists.”