A CYCLING delivery scheme set up in Stroud during lockdown is continuing to get supplies to people in the area.

The Bike Drop was set up when lockdown was first introduced, to make sure people could still get essential items.

A team of five volunteers travel within a five-mile radius on pushbikes with deliveries.

Requests come in via text or email before a cyclist is despatched to the business to pick up the item which is then safely delivered to the customer’s door.

Stroud opticians Specsavers, which is located on King Street is one of the businesses that has signed up.

So far the firm has used the service 16 times, with 14 of the deliveries being made the same day.

Riz Choonara of Specsavers Stroud said: "The Bike Drop is a fantastic initiative.

"When we heard about the scheme through the Stroud and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce, we were keen to sign up.

"We were able to offer urgent and essential care throughout lockdown, and we are now fully open.

"We appreciate though that it’s still not possible or very difficult for some people to come into the store.

"So the Bike Drop has meant that our customers who have been self-isolating and are continuing to stay at home even now, can have their specs, eye drops or contact lenses delivered."

Sandy Neisig-Moller, who worked in conjunction with Stroud based youth project Access Bike, one of Creative Sustainability’s Commmunity Interest projects, to get the scheme off the ground said: "We’ve been delighted with the response from local businesses.

"While the project was launched as a direct result of COVID-19, we’re hopeful that it will continue for the long term now and help as part of Stroud District Council’s aim to be carbon neutral by 2030."