WINSFORD’S Conservative MP Antoinette Sandbach has responded to concerns raised by the Mid Cheshire Foodbank after latest figures showed the number of users is increasing much faster than the national average.

Last month the Guardian reported that 2,432 emergency food supplies were given to people in the Winsford and Northwich area by Mid Cheshire Foodbank over a six-month period.

The figure is a 30 per cent increase on the same period the previous year. The national average is an increase of 13 per cent.

Mark Ward, interim chief executive at The Trussell Trust, raised concerns that the introduction of Universal Credit in the area would make matters worse, with many cases around the country of people left for several weeks with no income.

Responding to the comments, Antoinette Sandbach, Eddisbury Conservative MP, added: “It is concerning that any local resident should have to resort to using a foodbank. These figures are not welcome but through my work in supporting the community I have not witnessed a correlation between the introduction of Universal Credit and the rise in the use of foodbanks.

“I have actually felt that the system is working well with fewer individuals needing support from local agencies and my office. If anyone is struggling to manage, particularly through the winter months, I would encourage them to contact me or the Citizens Advice Bureau for support and guidance.”