What could have potentially been a bad public relations move was wisely averted when the Franklin Police Department found a solution rather than creating a problem for the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia.

Traffic issues had developed when the Food Bank’s tractor trailer was periodically situated at the Forest Pine Apartments between Homestead Road and Crescent Drive.

The matter’s been compounded of late by roadwork on Hunterdale Road, which is causing more people to drive through Forest Pine Road. The situation became troublesome enough that residents were reportedly complaining.

In response, the police recently informed those Food Bank clients they’d get tickets if the truck had stayed.

While the Food Bank could have potentially challenged both the authority and issue, instead it acquiesced. But that didn’t solve where the service was going to relocate.

To its credit the department did more than just tell the agency and its clients to move along. Instead, Capt. Tim Whitt researched and has evidently found a new venue at the old Winn Dixie on North College Drive. This will not only eliminate any traffic issues, but also become a more accessible and lasting distribution site.

The next visit from the Food Bank is scheduled for Friday, July 11, from 9:30 to 11 a.m.