Rothwell volunteers delivering groceries and prescriptions to people in isolation

An emergency deliveries service has been set up by the town council for anyone unable to get to the shops.

The service is being run by Rothwell town councillors Karl Sumpter and Ray Davis, as well as a group of volunteers after the idea was suggested by Mr Davis' wife, Sharon.

Cllr Sumpter, 54, said: "Myself and Ray were at a Rothwell town council meeting and met (Sharon) afterwards. She came up with the idea of somehow helping local residents who weren't able to leave their homes.

"I took the idea forward and arranged a meeting with Kate Ley, a local diamond of a woman, always helping out with events in the town."

They posted the idea on Facebook on Wednesday, March 18 and have had more than 30 people say they would be ready and willing to volunteer for the emergency delivery service.

Cllr Sumpter said: "We've been overwhelmed by the response.

"At the moment, only Ray and I have done the delivering to test it out."

Cllr Sumpter said anyone in need of food or prescriptions should call them the day before to say what they need.

If you need a prescription picked up, you will need to call the pharmacy to say it will be collected by a named volunteer.

Cllr Sumpter said once the shopping has been bought, the volunteers will deliver it to the person's home with a receipt and money will only be exchanged then.

To keep volunteers and customers safe, Cllr Sumpter said he had consulted his father who was a commander in the Royal Navy and has a BSc in health and safety.

Cllr Sumpter said: "We have hand gloves, biomedical masks and hand sanitizer.

"We'll pick up the goods with gloves on and always stand 2m away."

He said cash would be sterilised with steam.

Cllr Sumpter added: "We can't eliminate the risk completely, but we can minimise it."

The emergency delivery service is receiving support from other locals too. Cllr Sumpter said Tesco in Rothwell have agreed to put aside any items needed by those using the service.

The scheme also had support from ex-Northampton Saints rugby player and manager Lennie Newman, who printed 1000 flyers advertising the service to Rothwell residents.

Northampton Grocer Sean Connolly donated 75kg of potatoes to be distributed.

On Wednesday, Cllr Sumpter said five people had called asking for help with supplies and a further eight people had called the next day.

If you require the Rothwell emergency deliveries service, you can call Cllr Karl Sumpter on 07889 841015 or Cllr Ray Davis on 07757 103084 to discuss arrangements.

The service is being advertised on the Rothwell town council website, which you can access here.