'Social supermarket' faces hunt for new base

Eileen Jordan said the Staffordshire Community Hub was "looking for a miracle" in terms of finding a new base

A "social supermarket" is looking for a new building after they were asked to leave their current premises.

Staffordshire Community Hub, based on Bellasis Street, Stafford, provides support in the area to local residents.

Staff said the hub had until Friday to leave the building and find a a new venue to move their efforts to.

The property's landlord told the BBC he wanted to sell the building, had given them plenty of warning but could consider giving them an extra week.

"At this minute in time we're looking for a miracle," hub founder Eileen Jordan said.

Faye Forrester-Williams said it had saved her "out of so many situations"

The landlord treated them fairly during their time on Bellasis Street, she added but said they have to find a big enough building to hold the range of services they offer.

Ms Jordan added: "I'm frightened about the amount of people that we help and when we're not here, where will they go?"

Users of the hub's "social supermarket" said it had helped them with the cost of living crisis.

Like food banks they cater for those struggling to put meals on the table but unlike them charge for products - usually at heavily discounted prices.

One of their customers, Faye Forrester-Williams, said: "There's not a lot of places like this left anymore...it's saved us out of so many situations that could've put us in a bad place."

The Staffordshire Community Hub is currently based on Bellasis Street, Stafford

"It's an absolute godsend, everything is well priced and there is loads of variety. Just to think it's going, I don't know what I'm going to do," Paul Forrester, another customer, added.

The landlord told the BBC he had turned down another offer for more money when the hub first took on the lease.

"They were given a two-year deal which was extended for another year," he said.

"I've given the tenants plenty of time to leave. If they need another week I can consider this."