West Cumbria pipeline team help out foodbank

Staff working on a Cumbrian water pipeline project have dug deep for a North Lakes food charity.

A Christmas collection at the offices of United Utilities’ West Cumbria Supplies Project brought in enough donations to fill the back of a pick-up truck with provisions for the North Lakes Foodbank at Cockermouth.

Andrew Robinson is the foodbank director and he said the donation was much appreciated by the charity at this busy time of year: “We also continue to be busy after Christmas when the temperatures drop and people have to prioritise heating over food.  All the donations will go to help those most in need in the local area.”

United Utilities assistant project co-ordinator Luke Johnston organised the collection with colleague Nicola Pointer after the success of a similar collection this time last year. 

“We’ve been a fixture in the area for two years now and we’re very much part of the local community. After hearing about the shocking choice so many families have to make between heating or eating we wanted to do something to help,” he said.

“Cockermouth is the area where our project comes together. The new pipeline we’re building connects to our brand new treatment works at Williamsgate, and the main project office is located just outside of Cockermouth,” added Luke.

The West Cumbria Supplies Project is a £300 million investment in new infrastructure to connect West Cumbria to the region’s integrated water network, improve resilience and protect the environment.