City rallies to help food bank

Network Rail said it was overwhelmed by the generosity of commuters and office workers who pledged their support for a mammoth 12-hour food bank collection at Central Station.

By 1pm yesterday, three van loads of bags had been delivered to Glasgow City Mission.

Clydebank comedian Kevin Bridges signalled his backing for the charity drive in a cheeky tweet to the Prime Minister and Chancellor.

He tweeted: "Food bank collection at Glasgow Central ­station 7am to 7pm. @­David_Cameron @George_Osborne RT boays?"

Rail staff took action after hearing ­Glasgow City Mission had run out of food stocks.

The charity said it was delighted and that it hoped the event would make politicians consider why such actions were needed.

Grant Campbell, chief executive, said: "As soon as the story went into the Evening Times we were getting donations. We are going from empty shelves to a supply that could last six months."

Virgin Trains and ­supermarket chain Lidl were among the companies which donated food to the charity drive.

Some city centre workers made a detour to the station to hand over bags stuffed full of groceries.

Euan Miller, 27, from Glasgow's West End, said: "We've all got food in our cupboards we don't need. It's so sad to think people need this."

Chris O'Donnell, shift manager at Central Station, said: "A lot of people who came through in the morning came back at lunchtime with bags. When people see a good cause they rally round."

Mr Campbell added: "Clearly we are delighted, but it is also raising an important issue.

"All charities want to see the end of food banks. The government needs to re-examine their statement saying there is no hard evidence of a link between welfare cuts and the demand for food banks.

"We have been providing food parcels since the charity was set up in 1826 for a minority of people in desperate circumstances. We are seeing a new client, mums with families."

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk