Otley sets up delivery scheme for residents confined to their homes

Earlier this week, the Yorkshire Evening Post captured images of deserted streets in the normally bustling market town. Just a handful of businesses appeared to be trading while people stayed at home social distancing and self-isolating following advice that is being issued by the government on a daily basis.

In what are already challenging times for high streets across the country, Otley is in the process of setting up a centralised delivery scheme as many of the town’s businesses have begun to offer free delivery services to those who are confined to their own homes.

Businesses offering delivery services include greengrocers O’Fresh, newly opened old-fashioned dried and household goods shop Like Nana Did, the town’s trio of butchers Weegemans, Wilkinsons and Middlemiss, and a host of other shops and services.

Chair of Otley BID, Tom Hatley, said: “While this is an incredibly challenging time for the high street and Otley’s many small businesses and independent shops, it is heartwarming to see the number of traders who are pulling out all the stops to keep those in need supplied with vital goods.

"This positive spirit in such difficult times is indicative of Otley’s wider community spirit where people pull together to help each other in both good times and times of need.”

The situation with which businesses are open and allowed to provide delivery is changing by the minute so Otley BID is trying to maintain an up-to-date list of who is offering what services and details of how to shop etc as well as essential specialist services during the coronavirus crisis.

Local organisations such as Otley BID, Visit Otley and Otley Energy are now also looking into the viability of creating a centralised delivery scheme to help better facilitate the effort.

The current list of businesses doing deliveries can be can be found at www.otleybid.co.uk/covid-19-otley-open-for-business/.