BILLERICAY Town co-owner Nick Hutt admits the club’s bid to help those most vulnerable during the coronavirus outbreak must be sustained for as long as necessary.

The National League South outfit have set up a GoFundMe page with the aim of raising much-needed funds to assist those unable to leave their homes or most at risk should they contract Covid-19.

The Billericay Town Street Pastors will be heavily involved in the initiative and Hutt recognises the role the New Lodge side can play during these testing times.

“At Billericay Town, we have always been cognisant of our role and responsibility within our local community,” said Hutt.

“We know there are people in our community that are vulnerable and extremely concerned right now, so we wanted to find a way to help. We decided the best way to help was to try to provide much-needed food and essentials to the people in our community that are unable to get to the shops or are worried about doing so.

“We decided to give people the ability to make donations of non-perishable goods at the club or cash contributions via our GoFundMe page.

“In order to try to ensure that our efforts reach the most vulnerable, we have enlisted the Billericay Town Street Pastors to take full responsibility for the distribution of all proceeds.

“It’s really important this isn’t a one-off initiative and that our efforts are sustained for as long as necessary.

“We totally understand that we are all in unchartered territory but if you can help in any way, our community will be extremely grateful.”

Hutt was a member of the consortium which took over Billericay after Glenn Tamplin, who is now financially backing and the manager of Isthmian North strugglers Romford, left New Lodge in September.

Despite numerous changes being made at the club since then, the Billericay Town Street Pastors have remained in regular attendance at fixtures.

And Pastor Gary Bott is keen to boost morale within the local community by helping those in need.

“We are really pleased to be working closely with the football club within the Billericay community and it’s a vitally important time to look out for those most in need, especially in such circumstances we find ourselves in,” said Bott.

“Please don’t hesitate to contact the club or Billericay Town Football Pastors to seek help or alert us of anyone you know may be in need.”

Billericay’s GoFundMe page has already raised in the region of £1,000, but the National League South club are looking for as many backers as possible.

To donate, head to gf.me/u/xrah7f.