A SOUP kitchen for the homeless and vulnerable is off the streets for the first time in 35 years as a precaution to delay the spread of the coronavirus.

The Colchester Soup Run, supported by more than 20 churches and dozens of volunteers, typically never misses a night.

Rough sleepers, alongside struggling and vulnerable people, received help from the service every night between 8pm and 9pm.

Operating from behind the Entertainer shop in High Street, the soup run had continued through the outbreak by “getting inventive”.

Wendy Allen, the group’s chairman, said: “We had tried hard to keep this service going, giving out goody bags filled with drinks, sandwiches and treats to encourage social distancing.

“In consultation with other group leaders, I made the decision we must respect the Prime Minister’s request to stay at home.”

Several groups supporting the most vulnerable people in Colchester are now working together to support the work of Beacon House, providing food and supplies.

The decision to suspend the soup run was made following an announcement from Colchester Borough Homes, Colchester Council’s housing arm.

The organisation is working with temporary accommodation suppliers to provide rough sleepers with a place to stay throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

Adam Fox, Colchester councillor responsible for housing, said: “I would like to thank partners who are providing safe accommodation to homeless households and rough sleepers during these uncertain times.

“I encourage any accommodation provider who can offer a single-person room during the outbreak to work with us and help keep some of the most vulnerable residents safe.”

A Colchester Borough Homes spokesman said: “We would encourage the public to use the Streetlink online service to make the rough sleeper outreach team aware of anyone rough sleeping.

“Any alerts sent come directly to us and helps us designate the most appropriate accommodation.

“Many have underlying health conditions, making them more vulnerable and self-isolation more challenging.”