THE Millport Foodbank has announced that it is to close on the island and be subsumed by the Largs Foodbank.

The volunteers behind the foodbank say that the decision was taken due to the new community larder opening on the island within the Garrison.

The foodbank will continue to run until October 11, and volunteers have thanked all the island businesses that have donated for those in need.

A spokesperson said: "Five years ago the Largs Foodbank identified a need on Cumbrae for a foodbank service and allocated resources to create the Millport Foodbank.

"We’ve always reviewed the service and have decided that now is the right time to bring the service back to Largs where it started.

"This means that from Friday, October 11, the services provided by the Millport Foodbank will return to Largs.

"The island has its own community led shop now and anyone requiring additional help can access the Largs Foodbank via the normal channels.

"We’d like to thank everyone who helped us along the way with vital donations and invaluable support because without their help, we couldn’t have helped the community, particularly The Cumbrae Forum and the Premier Store."

The Millport Community Shop, at Garrison House in Glasgow Street, was set up in response to islanders expressing concern about the tough financial times many people are experiencing.

It aims to support residents, reduce food waste on the island and give people access to food with dignity.

The shop is not a food bank, and you don’t need any sort of referral to get involved. All you need to do to start using the shop is register your household – which is free and takes no time at all.

Those with a family of up to four people pay £4 for 24 points, which equates to groceries worth £12, or £6 for 36 points for families of more than four people, enough for £18 of shopping.

The shop is part of North Ayrshire Council’s Fairer Food network of larders and pantries that operate in communities with the help of community partners and organisations to help alleviate food poverty – aggravated by the current Cost-Of-Living crisis.