WITH residents in need of supplies amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Dursley traders are showcasing the true meaning of community spirit by offering home delivery services to those in need of essential items.

Many businesses are now closed, in line with Government advice, to protect people from the spread of infection.

But, under the banner Dursley Delivers, a selection of traders are now providing a home delivery service in order to support the government’s instructions for residents to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.

One of the businesses offering doorstep deliveries is the Newscentre in Silver Street, which stocks many essential items.

The store’s owners Vijay and Tika Patel said they were keen to do their part to help the community.

“We know most our customers really well,” said Vijay.

“And we’ve asked them to ring us up with their order and then we deliver it as soon as we can.

“It’s just me and my wife Tika doing the deliveries.

“If an order is nearby, we’ll do it in the daytime, and if it’s further afield we’ll do it after work.”

Meanwhile, the couple are doing everything they can to stay safe at the store.

“We have a tape round the counter, to ensure that people stay back and are social distancing,” said Vijay.

“Customers are one in and one out and we use latex gloves and provide hand sanitiser on the counter.

“People are obviously apprehensive at the moment but generally the mood is good.

“Being part of the Dursley community for the last 32 years, we feel it’s only right we give something back to the people who have supported us through thick and thin, especially in the difficult times we live in at the moment.”

A Dursley Delivers Facebook page has been set up, which features details of all the businesses offering doorstep deliveries.

A post from group said: “We can look after you and you will be looking after us and helping to ensure that you have small shops in town to come and shop in once this virus has passed.”

Those taking part are: Newscentre 01453 542036; Tom Arnold 0743 220 4470 (for delivery help); Dursley Post Office 01453 54251; Mandy Woodward 0780 723 6353; Dursley Town Council 01453 547758; Cam Catering Butchers 01453 890254; Hewitt 01453 542157; The Welsh Cake Lady 0758 003 3998; Rosebery Road Co-op 01453 545243; Lorraine Patrick 0788 158 1189 (for county council queries and delivery help).

See facebook.com/dursleydelivers