Norwich pub owner disappointed after food boxes for Afghan refugees rejected
Jonathon Childs called Norfolk County Council's decision to turn away his food boxes "strange and bizarre"
Last updated 27th Aug 2021
The landlord of the Garden House pub in Norwich says he's disappointed that his offer to help Afghan refugees has been rejected by Norfolk council.
Jonathon Childs told us that Norfolk council instructed him to give his food donations to a local foodbank. This comes after he prepared 'welcome boxes' of food, and wanted to make sure they were directly given to refugees coming to Norfolk.
He called their decision "strange and bizarre", saying he has been operating a foodbank from his pub for years. He went on to say that he is "shocked by the Council" and accused them of not grasping the issue or the offer he was making. He told us donating the food to local foodbanks, means they were unlikely to reach those most in need.
Duncan Merren from Norfolk County Council say they are very thankful for Mr Childs generosity and are not turning his donations away. However, he told us the council have already received enough food donations for those arriving from the middle-east and taking more would mean others in need would inevitably go without.
He did tell us however that the council "urgently needs" basic household items like curtains, mattresses, alongside tables and chairs for those who are being resettled in the county.
If you want to donate or volunteer to Norfolk's Afghan resettlement scheme click here.