Horncastle shop staff praised for their help and support during testing times

There were long queues outside Tesco this morning (Wednesday).

The supermarket is currently operating a ‘special hour’ for elderly shoppers only between 9-10 on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Queues stretched across the car park towards the Conging Street bridge as shoppers complied with restrictions to stay two metres apart,

Store staff were only allowing 20 people at a time through the doors.

One shopper said: “It was very busy but everyone kept the correct distance apart.

“The staff were absolutely brilliant. They were offering help and advice.

“They were wiping all the door handles and asking if they could help anyone.

“There were also queues at the checkouts but again they were very well organised.

“Shopping did take longer than usual but that is understandable in the circumstances.

“The hour set aside for older people is a great idea.”

There were also reports today of a number of people completing shopping for friends, neighbours and relatives who are self-isolating.

Paul Birch said: “I’m helping out my neighbour. She’s 80-odd and can’t get out.

We’re making sure she is ok.”

Residents are being advised to shop online although latest reports suggest supermarket websites have struggled to cope with demand and delivery times are not readily available until the middle of next month.

• Arrangements at supermarkets do vary and customers should check opening times and any other details before setting out.

Government guidelines say people should restrict shopping trips as much as possible.