SWINDONIANS were shocked by the news that the town's only foodbank could close in eight days.

The charity in charge of the foodbank, Swindon Christian Community Projects, is shutting down at the end of the month due to what it called 'difficult governance, operational and funding challenges'.

The Adver's front-page story about the closure triggered an outpouring of surprise and sorrow from our readers.

Lizzie Tunley said: "I have spent many hours volunteering for the foodbank and coming face to face with people in need- this [service] is very much needed.

"With the rollover to universal credit, some people are left for up to eight weeks with no money.

"So unless you have actually worked with these people, please don’t judge.

"Sick and tired of this Daily Mail mentality that people who are at the bottom of society are automatically considered to be lazy scroungers.

"People can only receive three food boxes in a six-month period and you need a voucher from a statutory agency."

Tracie Ann Moore said: "I had to use the food bank a few years ago.

"I work but my tax benefit renewal made it so that my payments stopped, then I sold everything I could to pay my bills and have petrol money for work.

"It meant that one week I got one box of food so my children could eat.

"I will always be grateful and the ladies were lovely."

Moira McCue said: "Can't believe they are closing.

"I'm lucky enough not to have had to use them, but I know plenty of people who have for a wide variety of reasons.

"It's a lifeline that is needed to help those in need."

MrEShopper on our website said: "The foodbanks are there to help those in crisis and offer short term relief.

"Often, hard working individuals who through no fault of their own find themselves in difficulty because their circumstances have changed.

"Food is a basic human need and the service that the foodbanks provide is vital.

"I have volunteered at a distribution centre and have seen first hand the difference that the food parcels make."

Swindon Foodbank gives out emergency three-day food parcels to those in crisis.

The service, which has a warehouse in Westlea, has two part-time members of staff and is supported by volunteers.

Last year, the charity project gave out more than 5,000 food parcels. Two-thirds of these went to children.

Swindon Borough Council is in talks with The Trussell Trust about saving the foodbank and