A COMMUNITY project aiming to help those in need get access to food has closed after “repeated vandalism and disrespect”.

The Community Fridge and Larder project, run by and based at St Nicholas’ Church in Henstridge, posted details of the move this week.

“It is with sadness and disappointment that we need to let our village know that unfortunately we’ve had to temporarily suspend the Community Fridge and Larder project based at St Nicholas’ Church, because of repeated vandalism and disrespect,” a spokesperson said.

“We are currently having to keep the church building locked unless volunteers are present, or services are taking place.

A notice informing people of the decision to close the community fridge and larder in Henstridge

“We are praying that the person(s) responsible will have a change of heart and their behaviour.

“We are so sorry about this and hope to have the situation resolved very soon and to resume the Community Fridge and Larder project in some form within a few weeks.”

Community fridges and larders offer food for free to those in need and are stocked by volunteers and community-minded residents.

It is understood the church is now looking into installing cameras to monitor the area.

The Henstridge church said the larder and fridge were closed after “repeated vandalism and disrespect”