ALARMING figures released by Largs Foodbank have prompted a local MSP to demand a stop to Universal Credit.

We reported the increasing problems for struggling families in Largs - with a staggering 140 per cent rise in foodbank usage in the town over the last 12 months.

SNP MSP Patricia Gibson has branded the drastic increase as 'unacceptable' and says that changes are needed while Largs Foodbank volunteers have also begged the government to treat people with 'humanity and dignity'.

Ms Gibson said: "These alarming figures from Largs Foodbank are undoubtedly a result of the roll out of Universal Credit.

“The five week wait for new claimants is completely unacceptable, with some claimants waiting even longer than that. It is forcing people into poverty and unnecessary hardship.

“Many constituents contact me for help because they are suffering under this system, which desperately needs to be halted and fixed.

“I have repeatedly raised the issue at Westminster. All claimants are expected to be on Universal Credit by 2023, including almost 10,000 more North Ayrshire and Arran households.

"That means this trend of foodbank use looks set to continue.

“Universal Credit is not working and this botched roll out, which is causing so much misery and hunger in our communities, must stop now.”

The figures released by the local charity showed that January's demand was the highest in 13 months.

Foodbank volunteer Simon Dell said: "We can only report what we are seeing and what is being said to us.

"As has been seen in most areas where Universal Credit was piloted, there is an increase in debt, low income and arrears as recipients, many of whom are paying back advance payments that were needed to see them through the six week period of non-payment.

"This results in a vicious circle where recipients can't escape the paying off of debt except by going without, in this case, food.

"We don't have any specific requests for how the benefits system should be improved, beyond taking a much more person-centred approach.

"We need one that treats people with humanity and dignity, stops penalising people with sanctions for minor issues, such as missing a phone call, for instance, or having the misfortune to experience a delayed or cancelled train from Largs, resulting in a missed appointment at the nearest DWP office in Saltcoats.

"There needs to be a system that can cope with the complexities of people's lives, rather than a one size fits all approach."