Commissioner sees Pendle Station Development's social value in action at community food hub

Pendle Food For All operates in Nelson and supports around 100 families doing their weekly food clubs.

As well as supporting people with food, the community hub acts as a way for signposting anyone who may benefit from additional support, such as housing or employment.

The food club is currently being supported by Willmott Dixon, who are constructing the new £18m Pendle Police Station on Carr Road, through volunteering hours and other potential help such as networking and building relationships.

With social value playing a part in every contract, the Commissioner is determined to ensure that the budget he manages and the spending power that it holds, has the most positive impact for Lancashire.

Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner said:

“Spending some time at the food club, it’s  immediately clear that this is a real hub for people in the area ,with all the volunteers involved making a substantial difference to people’s lives and really feeling like they are part of something.

“It’s great that additional support from Willmott Dixon is playing a valuable part in the work of Pendle Food For All. This is an example of social value in action, with a emphasis on local communities benefitting in the short and long term from the investment we’re making through Pendle’s new state-of-the-art police station.

“This is just one demonstration of how we use social value, and utilise the substantial spending power I have and the place that policing has at the heartbeat of communities, to improve peoples lives and invest in areas. Other examples here in Pendle are utilising contractors within the area where possible, creating additional employment opportunities locally and working with local Further Education providers.

“When we can invest back in communities through social value, alongside first and foremost delivering an efficient service, we make every penny spent on policing work as hard as possible for the people of Lancashire. As Commissioner I will continue to work with the Constabulary to drive this investment and back Lancashire wherever we can to improve communities and improve lives.”

Karen Nicholl, Pendle Food For All Coordinator said:

“Here at Pendle Food for All we would like to thank the PCC for Lancashire, Clive Grunshaw for taking the time to visit our food club and engage with our dedicated volunteers. Your presence and conversation were truly appreciated, and it means a great deal to us to have your support in our efforts to make a positive impact in the Community.

“Our food club in Pendle is facing significant challenges in securing permanent premises. Despite our best efforts, finding an affordable and suitable location to continue our vital community work has proven to be a major hurdle. The need for a stable, long-term space is essential to ensuring we can keep providing support to those who rely on us, and we are calling on local authorities and the community to help us find a solution. We remain committed to serving our community and hope for the support needed to overcome this obstacle.”

Michael Poole-Sutherland, North West director at Willmott Dixon, the construction company currently onsite delivering the Pendle Police Station, said: “It’s a real pleasure supporting Pendle Food For All and having the privilege of working alongside its passionate and hardworking volunteers. We’re passionate about creating a lasting legacy in this community and proud to be supporting Pendle Food For All to grow and expand the brilliant work they do.”