A TEACHER and councillor has urged people to keep donating food and supplies to help the vulnerable through coronavirus.

Cllr Craig Wright helped launch a food bank at the Easterside Community Hub, in Marton last week, so food could be dropped off to distribute to vulnerable residents.

The hub was closed on Wednesday but Cllr Wright said a secondary distribution centre had been set up to help the cause.

The member for Ladgate added: “We helped a lady who had run out of bread and milk. The big thing is letting people know I am here and they can get in touch with me.

“I know things are hard and difficult – and there’s been some stockpiling problems in shops which hasn’t helped.”

Some food banks on Teesside have run short of supplies as the coronavirus crisis has developed, but many remain open.

Donations of pasta, long-life milk, tins, toilet roll and baby products are being sought in Marton Manor and Easterside.

Cllr Wright was elected in the ward last year and teaches at Outwood Academy Redcar.

He had contacted schools to see if they had spare food in their kitchens given establishments have now closed their doors.

Cllr Wright added: “It’s hard for everyone at the moment but it’s especially hard for those who don’t have much.

“And we have some fantastic small businesses like Rosalind’s Larder and The Daisy Bakery (which has now closed).

“These are firms really struggling at the moment so people can help by supporting them.

“I’m really proud of the people of Ladgate – they’ve been resolute in their approach to this crisis.

“But I’m ready to do whatever it takes to look after them.”

Members from across the political spectrum have been mucking in to try and help the vulnerable and elderly.

The government has told people with coronavirus symptoms – a new continuous cough or a high temperature – to stay at home for seven days, or for 14 days if they live in a home with someone with symptoms.

Vulnerable groups – including those over 70, those with long-term health conditions, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems – have been urged to social distance themselves from others.

Veteran councillor Joan McTigue said she’d “offered to help with deliveries” for two shops in her Longlands and Beechwood ward.

She added: “People on social media are now starting to swop any surplus food for things they need. I am swapping loo rolls for pasta today.

“Whoever thought we would go back to that system? Let’s hope it catches on and stays with us.

“People are also asking where they can find urgent items and others are telling them where to go.

“Most amusing is the demand for nappies – do they not realise nappies can be made from cutting old towels into squares, which of course can be washed and used many times.”

Efforts by councillors come after Middlesbrough Council launched it’s “Help Boro” initiative to rally an army of volunteers who can help with shopping, making meals and offering an ear to those in need.

Cllr Wright can be contacted on 07926 667636 for those seeking help in the Ladgate ward.

To volunteer or to seek help in Middlesbrough, people can visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/helpboro or call 01642 729777 for assistance.