Town council’s winter pandemic support

Westbury Town Council says it is well under way with plans to ensure the town is well prepared for the winter months during this pandemic. 

Since March, stakeholders from across Westbury have sat down every two weeks to discuss how best to proceed, with representatives from the town council, local schools, Wiltshire Council, The White Horse Health Centre, local churches and charities all involved. 

One mainstay of the last six months has been the Open Westbury Food Project (OWFP), which grew from the town council’s food initiative during the lockdown. Now operating in the Market Place, the OWFP will continue to use the town’s surplus and donated produce to ensure nobody goes without food, supported fully by the town council and a wonderful group of volunteers. 

Councillors have also agreed further funding for Abraham’s Kitchen, which offers food education boxes every month to families across the town. The project also benefits from the continued support of Elliot’s Butchers and Westbury Aldi. 

“The Open Westbury Food Project is determined to make sure the town doesn’t waste any food, and many volunteers and residents are helping us achieve that,” said Ryan Child, Westbury Town Council’s events manager. 

“Abraham’s Kitchen is another project the town council really believes in. Encouraging the family to get together and share a meal has so many benefits that aren’t just limited to a healthy meal.” 

Mental health is another integral part of the town’s wellbeing and Westbury Men’s Group say, “We are pleased that the current rules allow us to continue. This takes place every Monday at 7pm at the Laverton. If you are interested in coming along, please contact us privately via the Westbury Men’s Group Facebook page.”   

Town clerk, Deborah Urch said, “It’s important we stay agile and have the resources prepared to react quickly to the changing nature of this pandemic.

“We are blessed with a growing number of volunteers and partners that feel as strongly as we do about maintaining the town’s wellbeing through the winter.

“If you would like more information about how we can help or you would like to volunteer, please contact Westbury Town Council on 01373 822232 or email info@westburytown council.gov.uk