WORKERS at an Ellesmere Port facility have been helping local families in need despite the incinerator being closed for maintenance.

Veolia's team supports local charities each year, and despite the facility being closed, the team – alongside contractors – has raised £3,000.

The chosen local charity is the West Cheshire Foodbank, and the cheque was presented at the local food bank.

Dave Phelan, general manager for Ellesmere Port Veolia UK, said: "We are proud to support the West Cheshire Foodbank which has been essential in supporting our community over recent months.

"While Ellesmere Port was closed for maintenance, we wanted to do our bit alongside our contractors and give back to the community around us.”

Lindsay Burghall, warehouse and administration co-ordinator at West Cheshire Foodbank, said: “We are extremely grateful to Veolia for their donation.

"Our foodbank provides emergency food supplies to local people in financial crisis. This is a key service like the work of our friends at Veolia and it is with their help that we can continue supporting others.”

Ellesmere Port high temperature incinerator treats hazardous wastes while ensuring the environment is protected at the same time.

It’s also a significant energy consumer in the UK and an industrial user of electricity in a congested area of the national power grid.

Over lockdown, the facility has also been creating hand sanitiser to distribute to key workers.