THE first hour of opening at Sainsbury's in Chafford Hundred tomorrow (Thursday, 19 March) will be exclusively for elderly and vulnerable shoppers.

Chief Executive Mike Coupe has authorised the dedicated hour across all of the company's stores in response to customer comments in the light of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a letter to customers he says: "A number of you suggested that we reserve an hour in stores for elderly and vulnerable customers.

"In response to this request, we will set aside the first hour in every supermarket this Thursday, 19 March, for elderly and vulnerable customers.

"If you or an elderly family member, friend or neighbour would like to shop during this hour, please check online for your local supermarket opening hours.

"For all other customers, supermarkets will open one hour after the published opening time.

"I hope that you can respect this decision and will work with us as we try our best to help those that need it the most."

In addition, the company is helping elderly and vulnerable customers access food online.

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"From Monday, 23 March, our online customers who are over 70 years of age or have a disability will have priority access to online delivery slots.

"For any online customer who can travel to our stores, from Monday 23rd March, we will operate an expanded 'click and collect' service.

"Please let us know if you are self-isolating to help us provide this service for you too."

Mr Coupe says the company is also focusing efforts on 'getting as much food and other essential items from our suppliers, into our warehouses and onto shelves'.

But he is asking for shoppers to exercise restraint.

"We still have enough food for everyone – if we all just buy what we need for us and our families.

"To help us get more essential items onto the shelves, from this Thursday, 19th March, we will be closing our cafes and our meat, fish and pizza counters in supermarkets.

"This means we can free up warehouse and lorry capacity for products that customers really need. "It will also free up time for our store colleagues to focus on keeping the shelves as well stocked as possible."

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Read Thurrock Nub News' coronavirus guidance HERE]