Concerns have been raised about people queuing outside Dumbarton's food bank to make sure items they require don't run out.

The issue, which it is feared could 'stigmatise' people, was raised at a community council meeting earlier this week.

Labour Councillor David McBride told members of Dumbarton East and Central Community Council that the issue of people standing in a line for food outside the Concord Community Centre has been brought up with him by constituents on a few occasions.

Other members of the community have also spoken to SNP Councillor Karen Conaghan about it.

The foodbank, on St Mary’s Way, is run by volunteers from West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare, and is held at the Concord Centre every Friday from 11am to 1pm.

Food bank organisers told the Reporter that because they pay for the let of the hall where the items are given out, they are unable to open the doors any earlier than 11am due to costs.

And despite asking people not to arrive early, service users often turn up at 9am - two hours early - to queue to ensure they can get items which they need.

Read more: West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare gets £2k funding

Karen Conaghan said: "It's a dreadful thing and hard enough for someone to need to use a food bank to get the basics in life.

"In an ideal world I think this could be done a bit better.

"It would be nicer if we could allow people to do this in a more dignified way and with less stigma."

Speaking at the meeting to clarify minutes from a previous meeting, David McBride added: “I’m told that people were arriving very early and it was being quite disruptive for other users at the centre.

“The food bank volunteers organise it this way based on their experience and volunteers numbers, while I don’t particularly like the look of it myself.

"I fully understand why people will turn up early, but it is a problem for volunteers to organise"

“As I’m not a volunteer at the food bank I don’t think it's my place tell them how to run their organisation.

"They do a wonderful job and I'd like to support them in any way I can."

Read more: Festive boost for Dumbarton and Vale foodbanks

George Grindlay, a guest at the meeting, who has been a food bank volunteer, said people arrive early because popular items run out.

However, Clair Coyle, a trustee of West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare, said they always try to distribute their food in a fair way.

Ms Coyle said: "We can't open the doors until our let starts, so that's the reason we are unable to allow people in earlier.

"We always say to people don't come until we open, but folk still come early and that's beyond our control.

"We're getting busier all the time but we try to make the food last and give everyone equal amounts.

"Anyone can call us if they have any concerns and we will do what we can to address it."

Clair added: "The last thing we want to do is stigmatise people.

"We offer a holistic service with a range of support.

"Our aim is to signpost people to other agencies that can help to resolve the issues that are causing the food poverty."

For more information about Foodshare call 01389 764135.