David Warburton, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Somerton and Frome, this week rolled up his sleeves and pitched in to help deliver groceries and supplies to residents of flood-hit Somerset by volunteering for the Community Delivery Service.
Due to the closure of the flooded Long Load Bridge, many local residents are unable to reach Long Sutton Village Stores without making a major detour. This, and the wider flooding crisis, has left the business struggling, with sales plunging by 40 per cent. So volunteers have helped to launch a Community Delivery Service to deliver goods to those in need.
David Warburton commented, “This really is a fantastic example of our local community coming together in a crisis. Already having to cope with flooded homes, land and businesses, the difficulties faced by local residents are aggravated by the lack of access to their local village shop.
“The flooded bridge at Long Load has now been closed since Christmas and cannot even be assessed for damage until after the flood water has subsided. It could be closed for many more weeks. I’m doing all I can to get the bridge looked at sooner, or to get an alternative up and running, but – in the meantime – we absolutely must support our local shops, pubs and businesses.
“I’m delighted to do all I can to help Mark and Veronica Talbot, owners of Long Sutton Village Stores, who desperately need their local community to support them. During my twenties I worked for a few years as a van-driver, delivering sandwiches to shops and businesses, so driving a van for the Community Delivery Service is something I’ve got some useful some experience in! I urge local people to use the facility and to ‘Live Local, Shop Local, Support Local’ – as it says on the van!”
For more information about Long Sutton Village Stores Community Delivery Service, please call 01458 241227 or email [email protected]. Large orders can be accommodated, and chilled items may require up to 72 hours notice for delivery. Orders can be placed by phone or by email, and payment taken over the phone or by other arrangement. For Long Load customers, a special collection point will be established on Wednesdays and Fridays at Long Load Village Hall.