THE manager of Worcester Foodbank said he is "sad and disappointed" Asda supermarkets have decided to remove its collection points from stores.

Asda has removeD the permanent unmanned donation points from all its UK stores saying they will now ask for charities and good causes to be on hand to explain where their donations are going.

The loss of one of its most prominent city centre collection points will no doubt have a big impact on the city's foodbank, based in Carden Close.

Asda's customers have been able to donate items for those in need at the supermarket in St Martin's Quarter, Silver Street, Worcester, for about two years.

About two and a half tonnes of food is collected at the Worcester store each year which is added to food parcels and donated to those living in crisis.

Though the decision was taken at a national level, it is understood that the city's foodbank was not informed directly about the decision.

Grahame Lucas, Worcester Foodbank manager, thanked Asda for the support it had previously shown the charity.

He said: “We are sad and disappointed Asda will no longer have a place where shoppers can leave donations for our foodbank.

"But we would really like to thank the St Martin’s Quarter store and its customers who have been very supportive of us.

"We’d also like to remind people that we still have collection points at Tesco in Warndon and St Peter’s, as well as Sainsbury’s Local in Barbourne.”

An Asda spokeswoman said it had recently reviewed its Asda Community programme and had introduced new processes

"We know we can make a huge difference to local charities and our customers and colleagues are generous when it comes to supporting their local communities, which is why we try to make sure we host a variety of good causes in our stores.

“We’ve recently reviewed the Asda Community programme and are investing an extra £2million into local good causes through the Asda Foundation.

"We’re also introducing some new processes and guidelines to make it fair and consistent for all the great charities we support and to enable our Community Champions to make the best use of their time.

“Food banks are very welcome to collect donations in Asda if volunteers are on hand to explain to customers where their donations are going, which we know increases the amount of food donated.

"Asda is a leader in the redistribution of food through our partnership with Fareshare and Company Shop, and we look forward to continuing to support them and local food banks in the future.”