A West Lothian foodbank is set to expand due to increase demand, as it was confirmed a service providing vital advice to local residents will also resume.
The Crofthead Community Education centre had understood that staffing shortages meant the regular West Lothian Advice Shop drop-in sessions could not take place.
However, one of the council's local regeneration officers told a meeting of the Livingston South Local Area Committee the service would resume next week.
Lesley Kiernan told the meeting: "We had been advised that the Advice Service would not be able to have a presence at Crofthead but as of next week there will be a weekly presence. That's coming back between 9.30am and 12 noon on a Wednesday morning."
Mrs Kiernan added: "Due to increasing demand the foodbank will now be opening on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, so that's an additional day."
A report to the committee added: "The West Lothian Foodbank recruited and trained enough volunteers for the service locally, which has been operational since the 30th November. Due to promotion through the community social media pages, community have been keen to donate foodstuffs and Crofthead is now also a collection point for foodbank donations."
Crofthead was set up as a warm hub in October. The report detailed: " Since then there has been over 30 individuals attending on Thursday afternoons. Free refreshments are available along with a range of activities including: jigsaws, TV, books, cards and dominos which has proven to be very popular."
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A " Winter Ready" event offered advice from council departments and local community groups offering practical financial advice as well as information of social networks and the local food network. Teams were on hand to give energy advice and support, tips on keeping your house warm and safe. There was also information on local activities to help stay warm and active for health & well-being.
Chairing the meeting Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: " I went to the winter ready event at Crofthead and it was absolutely superb. A lot of excellent work was done and a lot of excellent presentations."
Councillor Moira McKee Shemilt said: " I'm delighted to hear that the Advice Shop's going back to Crofthead I know how it good it was to see and how advantageous it was to have it there the same time as the foodbank as staff could direct people to the Advice Shop so I'm really glad that its back."
