THE foodbank at The Gate charity in Alloa will remain operational and work is ongoing to ensure support for the most vulnerable in the Wee County.

Chiefs yesterday held a crisis meeting to see how the charity can support people locally amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Donations are still being accepted with an appeal for the public to continue support the good cause with tinned food, rice, long-life milk and more – this time including carrier bags.

And more volunteers are also needed as many existing ones may be affected by the virus and in self-isolation.

The soup pot, which was the original service at The Gate, will continue for the time being on Tuesdays and the situation regarding this service will be monitored on a daily basis.

Home starter packs will also be distributed through the usual process.

Generally, the centre will remain open at this time, from 10am to 3pm.

Some projects will cease for now, however, including the community café and other social group projects.

Marie Brownhill, centre manager, said: "Our foodbank will [continue] to support the community, working closely with our partners to ensure we can support the most vulnerable within the community.

"But we're appealing to the public to continue with donations of stock, and we also need carrier bags.

"We're also looking for volunteers, because a lot of our volunteers may be affected by the virus or may be isolating themselves."

She added: "The Clacks community has always been incredible generous, and we'd like to thank them for anything they can do to help."

Elsewhere, work is also ongoing to assess the wider capacity in the third sector and Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface is co-ordinating much of the volunteer response.