Oliver Norman at the stall

A WARM clothes rack for rough sleepers and struggling people has been set up outside Waitrose in Finchley Road.

Oliver Norman collected jackets and hats off neighbours before setting up the stall on Sunday as the snow started bucketing down.The 29-year-old, who lives nearby, said it was a “simple and direct” way to help during the winter.

He said: “Homeless people were taking clothes but it’s not just for rough sleepers, it’s for anybody who is struggling and can’t afford warm clothing. A few things struck me straight away – how a simple and direct way it was of putting clothes to good use. The community we live in is quite sharing, it was easy to get momentum. So many people were willing to help out.”

[Dominic Bax]

The Take One Leave One (TOLO) project works with people bringing down warm clothes that can be then taken away by people who need them. It is inspired by similar projects set up in Exmouth Market, Islington, and Peckham.

Mr Norman added: “I’ve got my own stash of PPE and hand sanitiser there, and we are stressing to everyone they must be Covid-compliant.” The stall will be back outside Waitrose every Sunday between 11am-4pm.