RISING demand at the Winchester Basics Bank means that the charity might need a new home.

That is what organisers told the city’s MP, Steve Brine, when he visited its current base at Milland Road in Highcliffe.

It received around 2,000 visits from people in need last year, giving them emergency food and clothing.

The figure was a record, with just under 1,900 people helped in the previous two years.

Visitors are usually given five days’ worth of food, and are limited to four visits to the Basics Bank each year.

They can be referred to the charity by Winchester City Council, housing associations and the Trinity Centre in Winchester.

During his visit, Mr Brine said: “I really love what the Basics Bank team does and it was a real honour for me to meet them and see exactly how it works.

“It is obviously a really well run charity with a smooth unfussy operation to get help where it’s most needed.”

He added that the charity intended to hold a ‘Vision Day’ in the coming weeks to discuss its future.

The issues likely to be raised will include how to meet the rising demand, and whether a new base is needed.

Mr Brine said: “I know that the team would be delighted to hear any suggestions or contributions from members of the public about the future of the service.”

The MP is now in talks with the charity to place a box for donations at his constituency office in Stockbridge Road.

“I really want to help the Basics Bank and use my ‘shop’ in Winchester for as wide a community purpose as possible which was always the intention,” he said.

Winchester Basics Bank was launched in 2004 and is supported by Churches Together in Winchester.

Originally based in Jewry Street, its current base in Highcliffe is open between 10am and 3pm on Tuesdays and Fridays.

For more details visit winchesterbasicsbank.hampshire.org.uk or contact Moira Knapman, who leads the charity, at moirajck@aol.com.