A SOUP kitchen in Barnsley town centre is now safe for another six months after facing an uncertain future.

Barnsley Churches Drop-In Project, on John Street, hands out free meals to the homeless and those suffering from drug or alcohol addiction.

In April chairman Kate Raynor warned it was under threat due to a lack of funding to cover rising costs and a project co-ordinator's salary.

But now six months' funding from Santander has been granted for the co-ordinator's post.

Set up 11 years ago, it runs three times a week and also gives out food parcels, donates clothing and bedding and offers comfort by way of a listening ear.

 

Demand on the service has almost doubled in the last few years and has gone from helping about 30 people a session to between 75 and 80.