Corby Nightlight catering truck closed until further notice in response to Covid-19

A Corby catering van that has been providing hot meal for vulnerable and homeless people in the town has had to close due to the Covid-19 crisis.

The mobile unit in Everest Lane had been serving food and hot drinks to clients but volunteers who run the service have decided to stop their sessions.

A spokeman, said: "It is with a heavy heart that we have to inform you of the continued closure of the Corby Nightlight Catering Facility for the foreseeable future.

"This decision has come from a recent managers and trustees video conference call, during which concerns were raised surrounding the congregation of service users at the catering facility.

"This has been a concern since the Covid-19 outbreak began, however with further government advise now closing cafes, pubs and other public spaces, we feel this is the only option we have at this time.

"This decision, as were sure you can empathise with, was not an easy one to make, however, the temporary closure of our catering facility does not mean that our support and provision to rough sleepers and those experiencing food poverty stops."

Volunteers have been visiting known rough sleepers, in pairs, to pass out sandwiches and hot drinks observing social distancing rules.

The spokeman added: "This version of our provision allows us to better control and maintain the extremely important government guidelines for social distancing.

"The decision we have made is to maintain the wellbeing, along with upholding our duty of care, for both our volunteers and service users.

"We will continue to stay in contact with other charities, organisations and the council to see how we can further adapt our provision, to allow us to continue to support the less fortunate in our town.

"We thank you for your support surrounding this difficult decision. Please stay safe and look after those close to you during these uneasy and testing times."

Corby Nightlight volunteers will be handing out their emergency food parcels on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.