OLDHAM’S market traders are showing the true meaning of community spirit by offering home delivery services to those in need of essential items.

All Oldham Council-run markets are closed, in line with government advice, to protect people from the spread of infection during the coronavirus pandemic.

But a selection of market traders are now providing a home delivery service in order to support the government’s instructions for residents to stay home, protect the NHS and ultimately save lives.

The following businesses offering doorstep deliveries are Taylor Produce, who sell a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables and Bentley’s Master Butchers and David Ashworth Butchers, who both offer a range of different butcher meats.

To place an order with these traders, customers are being advised to contact them via the following methods:

• Call 0161 624 0931 for David Ashworth Butchers

• Call 07789861832 for Bentley’s Master Butchers

• Message Taylor Produce on Facebook to place an order

In order to keep residents and traders safe, orders will be delivered to doorsteps and social distancing must be practised at all times – stay two metres apart.

Delivery will either be free, if there is a minimum spend, or a charge will be applied to cover costs, please check with the trader when placing your order for more details.

Council leader Cllr Sean Fielding, said: “It’s really inspiring to see the community spirit on show from our local traders during this time of need for many.

“It never fails to amaze me what people can do for others, especially in times of crisis, and it fills me with great pride to see Oldham as a community, working together to help and support each other.”

Commenting on the scheme, a David Ashworth Butchers spokesman, said: “With recent changes at the market, we are doing our very best to reach all of our customers, so we are offering a delivery service to ensure our customers can still buy essential food.

“From all of us at David Ashworth Butchers, please stay safe and take care and if you need more information, just give us a call.”

A Taylors Produce spokesman added: “We know these are very difficult times for some of our customers, especially for our elderly shoppers, so we want to do as much as we can to help reduce some of that stress.

“If you’re concerned about leaving your home at the moment to buy essentials, just give us a ring and we can arrange to deliver your groceries direct to your door.”

And a spokesman for Bentley’s Master Butchers, said: “We are all one big family here at the market and we need to be there for each other, especially in times of need.

“We know customers are being advised to stay at home so if we can help in any way by delivering food and other supplies, we will do.”