IT'S BEEN a lifeline to West Wight residents during the pandemic, but there has been dismay that Freshwater Co-op's temporary home shopping service is coming to an end.

The store is reverting back to its usual delivery service — where items in store can be delivered to people's homes — but the phone delivery service is coming to an end.

Over the past few months, staff have taken orders over the phone, and ensured the shop was delivered to customers.

More than 1,000 deliveries took place.

One grateful recipient was Derek Greene, 79, who lives in Wellow and cares for his wife.

He said: "My wife can't go out, and going out frightens me to death now. A lot of people feel the same.

"I've been a loyal customer of the Co-op for 27 years, at its old site and its new one.

"I'm really sad this service has stopped. It has been a lifeline."

Kevin Smith, store manager, said: "Over the last few months our colleagues have been working tirelessly to keep the shelves stocked while implementing new safety measures to help everyone feel safe.

"During lockdown, we made more than 1,000 deliveries to customers who had ordered their delivery over the phone — a temporary measure which colleagues went to great lengths to provide.

"It involved a very time-consuming process but we felt it was necessary during the shielding period.

"I am immensely proud of the effort put into this service by my store colleagues who have done an excellent job in difficult circumstances.

"With government advising that people no longer need to shield, we are planning to revert to our usual delivery the service on October 16.

"We have proactively notified customers and the majority have been grateful for the service and the advance warning.

"There is a very small number who are still concerned about leaving their home so we have spoken to the West Wight Coronavirus Support Hub and been advised they will look to assist these customers wherever possible.

"Southern Co-op is currently trialling an online delivery service in two other regions which it hopes to roll out on the Isle of Wight if the trial is successful."

Customers are welcome to call the store ahead of visiting to be advised of quieter periods.

There is a dedicated daily shopping hour and priority access for elderly, NHS, social care, emergency service workers and vulnerable.