New food delivery scheme introduced for north coast communities in response to coronavirus travel concerns
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A NORTH coast councillor has helped set up a food delivery scheme in response to concerns from local residents over travelling miles to purchase food during the coronavirus crisis.
Cllr Linda Munro, representative for north, west and central Sutherland, made the move after holding talks with community council representatives from Melvich, Strathy, Bettyhill and Tongue. She has taken on the role of coordinating the service and is liaising with Thurso Co-op and volunteer drivers.
The scheme, which supplements delivery services already offered by local shops, is aimed at limiting the need for individuals to travel and minimising their risk of coming into contact with the virus.
It involves residents in north communities phoning Thurso Co-op at a designated times with their message lists. The items will then be delivered to the various communities by volunteer drivers.
Cllr Munro said: “People have contacted me expressing concern about the distances they have to travel to get groceries and the worry of being out and about at this time.Tesco online is a fantastic service but is currently booked weeks in advance.
“The service we are offering is a time-limited, emergency response to allow communities time to adjust their thinking and planning on how we move forward in these uncertain times.”
Residents in the Melvich Community Council area are invited to call Thurso Co-op (01847 893117) on Mondays (starting March 30) between 9am and 10.30am to place an order which will be delivered on Tuesday.
On Tuesday residents of Bettyhill area, Borgie and Skerray can call the shop between the same times. Their orders will be delivered the following day.
And on Wednesday it is the turn of residents in the Strathy and Armadale community council area to make use of the service.
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