Truck load of 60,000 toilet rolls donated to Northumberland shielding hub

Thousands of toilet rolls have been generously donated to help vulnerable and at risk residents in Northumberland.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Prudhoe-based Essity has donated 60,000 loo rolls to Northumberland County Council to be distributed as part of its support delivering emergency parcels for those most at risk from the coronavirus.

The company, which is one of the largest employers in Northumberland, produces more than a third of toilet rolls sold in the country.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Essity’s UK operations director for consumer tissue, Tony Richards, said: “Prudhoe Mill has been making tissue products on this site for 50 years, and as the town’s biggest employer – and second largest in Northumberland – we really value our links with the community.

Chris Robertson, of Essity delivers 60,000 toilet rolls to Helen Rae, of Northumberland County Council at its shielding hub at Blyth Sports Centre.Chris Robertson, of Essity delivers 60,000 toilet rolls to Helen Rae, of Northumberland County Council at its shielding hub at Blyth Sports Centre.
Chris Robertson, of Essity delivers 60,000 toilet rolls to Helen Rae, of Northumberland County Council at its shielding hub at Blyth Sports Centre.

“When the coronavirus pandemic first kicked off, it seemed you couldn’t open a newspaper or turn on a television without seeing selfish shoppers panic-buying loo rolls.

“There was never a shortage, thanks to the huge stocks in our supply chain. But it quickly became apparent that vulnerable members of society were unable to get hold of this household essential as shops simply couldn’t fill their shelves fast enough.

“So, we were delighted when Northumberland County Council rose to the challenge and provided a way of getting our product into the hands of people that urgently needed it.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A community shielding hub set up by the council at Blyth Sports Centre and the authority has been working closely with food industry partners, local suppliers and the voluntary and community sector to get it up and running.

Coun Cath Homer, cabinet member for the community and voluntary sector said: “We want to say a huge thank you to Essity for this incredibly generous donation.

“These food parcels are essential in helping support the most vulnerable and at risk at this time and to have the support of one of the main employers in our county is phenomenal.

“The response from businesses, communities and individuals who have offered their help, whether through donations such as this or by volunteering, is outstanding.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

For anyone struggling with support needs, the council has set up a Community Response Hub as part of Northumberland Communities Together -email [email protected], or call 01670 620015 between 9am to 6pm, seven days a week.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you