Call for supermarkets to limit sales of 'crucial' items in Burnley as shoppers start panic buying ahead of second lockdown

The Leader of the Green Party on Burnley Council has called for supermarkets in to take 'urgent action' to limit sales of formula milk for babies.
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Coun. Andy Fewings made the call today in response to several reports on social media that families have not been able to buy formula milk as supermarket shelves have been cleared as the UK prepares for a second lockdown.

He said: "“Lots of people in Burnley are living on the bread line as there has been severe job losses and many people are on a tighter budget than ever and cannot afford to stockpile items.

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"Supermarkets have a responsibility to ensure there is a continuous supply available for everyone.

Project Health and Hygiene founder Sam Wright has appealed for shoppers in Burnley not to stockpile loo rolls as it is often as emergency back up sanitary product for many vulnerable women and girls.Project Health and Hygiene founder Sam Wright has appealed for shoppers in Burnley not to stockpile loo rolls as it is often as emergency back up sanitary product for many vulnerable women and girls.
Project Health and Hygiene founder Sam Wright has appealed for shoppers in Burnley not to stockpile loo rolls as it is often as emergency back up sanitary product for many vulnerable women and girls.

"Given how crucial baby formula is, I think the sooner sales of this particular item are limited, the better for everyone.

"Nobody wants to be back in the situation we were in the spring."

Coun. Fewings call was backed by Burnley businesswoman and mum of two Sam Wright who, earlier this year, singlehandedly launched a project to donate sanitary products to vulnerable girls and women.

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Project Health and Hygiene was born after Sam learned the shocking statistic that 137,700 girls in the UK miss school because they cannot afford or don't have access to essential sanitary products.

Green Party Leader Coun. Andy Fewings is calling for supermarkets to put a limit on 'crucial' items so that vulnerable families can access what they need.Green Party Leader Coun. Andy Fewings is calling for supermarkets to put a limit on 'crucial' items so that vulnerable families can access what they need.
Green Party Leader Coun. Andy Fewings is calling for supermarkets to put a limit on 'crucial' items so that vulnerable families can access what they need.

In September, Sam, along with a team of volunteers and supporters, handed out an incredible 2,500 period 'pamper packs' across the town. The packs, funded by a National Lottery grant, contain sanitary products and items such as a body spray, facemask or mini lip gloss, mascara and other items that will provide a confidence boost.

She has appealed to shoppers to resist the urge to stockpile toilet rolls as, statistics showed that during the first lockdown three in 10 girls used toilet roll as an emergency back up as they did not have access to or could not afford sanitary products.

But an incredible 54 per cent of them could not even get toilet roll due to people stockpiling it.

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Sam, who owns and runs the BEST Centre sports facility in Hapton with her husband Darren, said: "I don't understand why anyone would do this and prevent less fortunate people the opportunity of buying what they need when they need it.

"It is ridiculous and heartbreaking."

In a bid to end panic buying Sam is going to write to all the main supermarkets and appeal for them to put measures in place.

She added: "If this doesn't stop I am not going to be able to keep up with the demand.

"I have a target of 5,000 bags up to the Christmas but if this stockpiling doesn't end I will need more than 10,000."