A supermarket has removed the food bank collection point at its store in the borough.

Asda – which has a major outlet in Tollgate Road, Beckton – will no longer offer its customers the chance to drop off items for charities in unmanned trolleys and baskets at the front of its stores.

The retailer, which is owned by American company Walmart, said food banks could still collect in store – providing a volunteer is on hand to explain where the donated food is headed, which it said would make it “fair and consistent” for all charities.

The supermarket also explained it was spending extra money to benefit good causes.

A spokesperson for Asda said: “Asda plays an important role in the communities we serve.

“We know we can make a huge difference to local charities and our customers and colleagues are generous when it comes to supporting their local communities.

“Food banks are very welcome to collect donations in Asda if volunteers are on hand to explain to customers where their donations are going, which we know increases the amount of food donated.

“Asda is a leader in the redistribution of food through our partnership with Fareshare and Company Shop, and we look forward to continuing to support them and local food banks in the future.”