THE future of a controversial Glasgow Foodbank is in doubt after it suddenly closed its doors.

Greater Maryhill Foodbank (GMF) announced yesterday that the facility had shut until further notice.

Julie Webster, coordinator of the foodbank, told the Evening Times there were “a multitude of reasons” for the closure.

She said she hoped the foodbank, in Chapel Street, would reopen at the end of next week but that was not certain.

It came after the Evening Times revealed in November last year, that the council would not make any further grant awards to the the foodbank following a whistleblowing complaint and an investigation over alleged financial irregularities.

It followed repeated requests for information about accounts which the council said had not been provided.

The investigation centres on £2897 that Ms Webster was given for improvements, including a new security system.

She was asked by the council to provide receipts detailing how the money was spent but has failed to do so.

Ms Webster said: “We are having a board meeting on Monday.

“We are making a formal request asking for Glasgow City Council to explain why they made this decision about funding. I want to know what evidence they have and why we found out through a tabloid newspaper.

“There will be service users present at the meeting because they want to know what is going on.

“There is a very tense feeling in Maryhill at the moment.”

Ms Webster said the future of the foodbank would also be considered at the board meeting.

She said: “I will work with the board to try and see what we can do for the long term future.”

Ms Webster posted the news about the closure on Facebook. She said: “Due to unforeseen Circumstances GMF will be closed until further notice.

“We will keep you updated as to when we plan to reopen.

“Anyone who requires Emergency Food Provision can Contact Glasgow City Council who should be able to provide a list of Foodbanks within Glasgow.”

The Evening Times also reported in November how schools in Glasgow were told not to support the foodbank by the council.

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: “We received a whistleblowing complaint regarding the foodbank last year.

"During the subsequent investigation, the organisation failed to provide information, documentation and explanations sought by the council.

“After reviewing evidence, the Head of Audit recommended that the council does not make any further payments to the foodbank.”

The council shared its concerns with the Scottish Government, which also gives the foodbank funding, and charity regulator OSCR.