Rushden, Raunds and Irthlingborough food banks helped in a roundabout way

Workers on a Highways England road scheme have been spreading some Christmas cheer to those in need by donating some £3,000 worth of items to three local food banks.

Among the huge donation from the team working on the A45/A6 Chowns Mill roundabout project were 500 tins of tuna, 120 jars of cooking sauce and 200 packs of custard, jelly and rice pudding.

Due of Covid-19 restrictions and people working from home where possible, the project team asked people to donate to an online collection if they could not physically hand over items.

A target of £250 was set but donations exceeded all expectations and raised more than £2,200.

Highways England project manager Dean Holloway said: “This was a fantastic gesture from both our workforce and contractors working on this project.

"Their generosity was even greater than we had hoped and I am sure our donation will make a big difference to many families over the Christmas period.”

Money donated was used to buy food and essentials including toiletries, nappies and cleaning products at Booker Cash & Carry in Kettering, which agreed to sell the items at cost or at a discounted rate.

These, with the many other items that had been handed in, were then shared out between the nearby Irthlingborough, Raunds and Rushden food banks.

In addition, the workforce donated hundreds of pounds worth of toys, baby clothes and equipment and warm clothing which the Rushden-based East Northants Community Service will ensure reaches the families most in need.

Meanwhile, the project has also loaned a large electronic display board to Higham Ferrers Town Council which is situated outside the Town Hall over Christmas.

Provided by Chevron Traffic Management, the board displays rolling messages wishing residents a merry Christmas, promoting local shopping and urging people to stay safe.

Assistant town clerk for the council, Alicia Schofield, said: “With the Chowns Mill Improvement Scheme works on our doorstep we were pleased the team were able to assist with our request for an electronic board and help us spread the festive cheer in the town with a ‘Merry Christmas’ message.

“The board also delivers a message to support the community and its local shops, and importantly, a Covid reminder to stay safe. Our sincere thanks to ChevronTM for its loan to the town council.”

Highways England is investing £24 million to increase capacity at Chowns Mill on the A45 and A6 junction.

For more details about the scheme click here.