A debate on a pledge to establish a new food bank at Maldon District Council's offices and an undetermined location in Burnham-on-Crouch lasted an hour at a meeting last night (Thursday, 18 March) – and ended with one councillor abruptly leaving the virtual chamber once the vote had been cast.

Councillor Chrisy Morris put forward the food bank motion in advance of the full council meeting, initially seconded by Councillor Vanessa Bell.

However, Councillor Carlie Mayes was ready with an amendment to the motion at the start of the debate, proposing that the council should instead pledge to support existing food banks in the district.

She said: "This district already has a full network of food banks, community fridges and food hubs.

"Councillors have been working hard with a number of partners including the CVS (Community Voluntary Service), the Café at St Peter's Hospital, the Salvation Army and both Maldon Town and Heybridge Parish Councils on how to protect and enhance the current provision for the direct benefit of those in our community who need it.

"This has been going on since last year and throughout the pandemic to date.

"The council has already funded a community storage unit which is run by Maldon CVS and there has also been introduced very recently a referral system for emergency provision across the district."

Cllr Mayes went on to explain that with additional help from Essex County Council, there had now been many thousands of pounds worth of food support made available to local residents and that those projects were ongoing.

He added: "What we've currently got is inadequate. Maldon needs a food bank that is accessible, visible and reliable."

Cllr Morris claimed that Cllr Mayes had at one stage in the past had to ask him where the Maldon food banks were. He also said that he "couldn't even find a number" for one of the Maldon food banks and that when he called the CVS to find out what food help was available, he was pointed to the Trussell Trust in Chelmsford.

The debate continued with further amendments added, including consultation with The Trussell Trust as a leading food poverty charity.

The amended motion that was voted through with 25 members for and one against was:

"In view of the current difficulties our community faces, Maldon District Council pledges to continue working with outside agencies to identify and support our existing food banks whilst investigating whether more food banks are needed in the district. This support may include offering assistance via website publicity as well as promoting a multi-agency approach to community needs and the involvement of the Trussell Trust on discussions to improve the services district wide."

It was also decided "that a report be brought back to the council to provide further details", though several councillors noted when voting that this should be done with urgency.

Following the vote, Councillor Morris - who voted against the amended motion with the words "too little, too late, feeling very ambushed" – added: "The residents will see what you did tonight, guys. Bye."

Cllr Morris then promptly left the meeting, which moved on to discuss other agenda items.