A new community kitchen has proved so successful the League of British Muslims organisation which runs the project is considering offering overnight accommodation too.

Ilford Recorder: Bashir ChaudhryBashir Chaudhry (Image: Archant)

The South Ilford Community Kitchen in Eton Road, opened last month to widespread acclaim, including from the Salvation Army in Clements Road which runs a night shelter during the winter months.

Currently, the community kitchen cooks two meals each day of the week at lunchtime and in the evening.

But now Bashir Chaudhry, the chairman of the League of British Muslims, who co-ordinated the initiative with the support of local businesses, is setting his sights higher.

He said: “People are asking for overnight accommodation.

“It is a possibility that by the end of the year we will have temporary accommodation.”

Mr Chaudhry explained about 20 people could sleep at the South Ilford Community Kitchen and have breakfast in the morning before vacating the premises to allow volunteer workers to prepare for lunch.

The Salvation Army in Clements Road offers a night shelter from December through to March to help the homeless through the difficult winter months.