Port Erin Commissioners has submitted a planning application
(21/01118/C) seeking a change of use for part of its office building to
accommodate the Isle of Man Foodbank Southern Hub. The Southern Hub of the Isle of Man Foodbank has been based
at Port Erin Methodist Church since it was established in October 2016 and is
currently supporting more than 40 families in the South of the Island. With
various proposed changes within
the Methodist Church, the Foodbank had been looking for a new home for several
months when Port Erin Commissioners offered to assist by providing space within
its office building on Bridson Street, Port Erin. The office area which will accommodate the Foodbank Southern
Hub had been used as the Commissioners archive and storage area since it moved
into the offices in 2007. To create space, a significant amount of archived
material will be passed onto the Public Records Office along with other items
of interest and memorabilia being passed onto Rushen Heritage Trust to act as
custodians. Should planning permission be granted, the project will also
involve members of the Rotary Club of Rushen and Western Mann which will assist
with some of the minor remedial works to make the office suitable for its proposed
use with a target date in October. A member of the team from Isle of Man Foodbank Southern Hub
said, “We were extremely grateful to the Commissioners for their offer to accommodate
the Foodbank Store. Space has been at a premium and it was becoming
increasingly clear that, aside from developments at the church in Station Road,
more space was needed. Sadly, demand for Foodbank services is increasing, and
with the likelihood of increasing fuel prices this winter, Foodbank will see
the effects of the “heat or eat” dilemma which faces many who are already
financially compromised.” Chair of Port Erin Commissioners, Mr Godfrey Egee commented,
“The Board was unanimous in its support of assisting Isle of Man Foodbank by
providing them with a suitable space to continue its operations and efforts
within the South of the Island. The Commissioners’ Office has operated as a
collection point since the Foodbank was established so the Board is aware of
the great work the Foodbank team provides to people and families in need. A
number of volunteers supporting the Charity live within Port Erin and with the
reported number of families accessing the Foodbank on a weekly basis, whilst
sad to hear, it is reassuring to know that there is support.”
Release date 30th September 2021
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