MP Neil Parish (right) officially launches the Tesco foodbank appeal for Axminster Carpets workers and their families. Pictured with him are (left to right) Axminster mayor Andrew Moulding, Tesco customer service manager James Sedgwick and Tesco community champion Kath Rabjohns. Photo by Chris Carson

Neil Parish says he hopes a positive announcement about the factory’s future will be made soon

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MP Neil Parish today (Monday) added his support to the foodbank appeal to aid struggling Axminster Carpets workers and their families

He joined mayor Andrew Moulding to officially launch the collection point set up at the town’s Tesco supermarket.

The store has agreed to accept non-perishable items for the next seven days to pass on to the factory workers and their dependents.

Many are currently receiving no pay as the firm seeks to put together a rescue package.

Mr Parish, who said he was hopeful a positive announcement about the company’s future would be made soon, urged people to donate foodstuffs.

“I am delighted to be able to promote this foodbank at this difficult time for Axminster,” he said. “I congratulate Tesco on their swift action.”

Cllr Moulding echoed concerns for the workforce at Axminster Carpets and said anything they could do to help would be appreciated by the whole community.

“We are all very concerned about the position at Axminster Carpets and particularly for the workforce, who we understand are not on full pay,” he said. “We should give a vote of thanks to Tesco.”