As reported in last week’s Advertiser, a drive is under way to launch a food bank in the town next month.

And despite the town’s reputation as a largely ‘wealthy’ area, the news comes as no surprise to politicians who say many residents are struggling to ‘make ends meet’.

Jackie Baillie, Helensburgh’s Labour MSP, said the existence of the service is a ‘damning indictment of our society’, whilst Stuart McMillan, West of Scotland SNP MSP, said continued austerity is placing thousands of Scots into poverty.

Ms Baillie said: “It is a tragedy that we’re now in a situation where people have to queue up to collect emergency food parcels. Working families have been hit hard by the recession as wages have failed to keep up with the rising cost of living. We can and should take action now to end the scandal of low pay by introducing a living wage to eliminate the need for food banks.” Mr McMillan said he was made aware that the welfare problems in the area were becoming ‘more profound’ during a visit to the Helensburgh Citizens Advice Bureau.

He added: “It’s difficult to comprehend the number of foodbanks which are appearing throughout Scotland, considering we are a rich developed country. However, not enough people are seeing this wealth and the continued austerity drive by the UK Tory/Lib Dem coalition Government is placing thousands of more Scots into poverty.” Councillor Aileen Morton, who has attended meetings with the local foodbank committee, said Helensburgh Central ward is one of Argyll and Bute’s areas of ‘greatest deprivation’.

She told the Advertiser: “In many ways I think it is harder for those struggling to get by when they are surrounded by affluence. Evidence shows most people who use foodbanks have hit a crisis in their life and short-term help for a few weeks can allow them to get back on their feet and take control again rather than ending up in a downward spiral that is impossible to escape.” Councillor Vivien Dance added that although there should be a long term aim to eradicate the need for foodbanks, people now should show their support for the ‘thoughtful and caring venture’.

She said: “This initiative shows many of us do care about others who are not so fortunate and the fact there are many kind and generous people in our community who will give up their spare time to helping others.” Barbie Paterson, secretary of the Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank, said the voluntary organisation formed last month in response to a request from Audrey Baird, the council’s local community development officer.

She added: “Audrey had been approached by several people who had identified a need for a foodbank in this area and she was keen for a group from the community to take this on.” Following a needs assessment and several meetings, a small ‘enthusiastic’ group of eight – many of whom from local churches – agreed to set up a foodbank, which is now chaired by Morevain Martin from Argyll Voluntary Action.

The non-politicial foodbank aims to distribute food to those in need; provide information, advice, and support to individuals on social wellbeing; and raise awareness of the issues affecting communities.

Following visits to other foodbanks, the committee created an independent service, and although Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank may have referrals from other agencies, it will not require a formal referral from attendees, or a food bank voucher.

Ms Paterson said the committee have been encouraged by the amount of businesses that have expressed an interest in helping.

She added: “The committee feels the people of Helensburgh have an inexhaustible fund of goodwill and empathy for those in need and that many will be glad to donate a little each week or commit to helping with the distribution of food. It will truly be a community project.” For those interested in helping email helensburghfoodbank@gmail.com.