A POPULAR fruit and veg stall that has become an iconic part of a borough town has packed up its stalls due to coronavirus.

Roddy's Fruit and Veg, which has been on St John's Way for 30 years, has been serving people throughout the first week of lockdown and has attracted big queues as the team of staff have served up a wide range of fresh produce.

However, last evening (Saturday, 28 March) owner of Sunny Fruits Paul announced it was going to close - though he is hoping to establish a direct delivery or collection alternative.

He says: " It is with a very heavy heart that I have made the decision to shut our business down for the next two weeks.

"As a businessman looking out at all of our amazingly loyal customers I cannot tell you how saddened I was having to come to this decision, feeling that I am letting you down in some way.

"However, as a boss and being responsible for my wonderful team of workers it is the correct decision to make as I must put their safety first. As we are being advised by experts that we are entering a critical stage of the virus.

"We are in unknown territory and a very scary time for everyone. I hope you understand how I have come to make this decision.

"We are currently trying to work out the logistics of how we can provide some sort of drive-by service to supply you all with an essential vegetable box to pick-up requiring minimum contact with each other.

"Hopefully each and everyone of us can stay safe and get back to normal as soon as possible."

There have been many messages of support, thanks and best wishes posted by local residents to Paul and his team.

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