COMMUNITY services offered by the team behind Hardie Park in Stanford-le-Hope have been boosted by a grant that means they could buy a new vehicle.

The team is now using a new branded 'Hardie Park' van on it's daily journey to local supermarkets to collect food to be distributed to the needy in the local community from the park's café, which is open every day.

A statement from the Friends of Hardie Park says: "The green van has clocked up miles and miles to date collecting food for the community. It's now gone into retirement, and we are so pleased to have been awarded a share of The Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund to purchase some newer wheels, enabling the pop-up project to continue. 

"Times have been difficult of late for everyone, the food project offers a little help daily to anyone who visits us on a take what you need, donate if you can basis. 

"Delivery times can vary slightly depending on traffic and collection times.

"If you find yourself waiting a while to access the food, can we ask that you queue in an orderly manner and are respectful of others who also wish to access the service 

Find out about Hardie Park and its services via this link.