Shoppers need to stop emptying the shelves in Horncastle

‘Stop panic buying!’
Food shortages are continuing.Food shortages are continuing.
Food shortages are continuing.

That is the urgent message from local supermarkets today (Wednesday) as they battled to keep shelves stocked amid the coronavirus crisis.

The demand for everyday household items - and especially toilet rolls, hand gel and frozen food - has led to people stockpiling.

It’s understood supplies of bread almost ran out yesterday (Tuesday) with demand for milk, eggs and pasta at sky-high levels.

There was also a shortage of tomato puree!

The rush to buy items is putting pressure on the more vulnerable members of society, notably the elderly.

To add to the problems, many people are reporting no home delivery service slots are available until the middle of next month.

There are claims the situation in Horncastle - and neighbouring towns - is being made worse by people from ‘outside the area’ shopping in local outlets.

One supermarket worker said: “It’s crazy. As soon as we put stock on the shelves, it’s gone.

“All I can say is people must have big freezers!.

“I wouldn’t say we know all our customers but there are definitely a lot of different faces about.”

The list of events being cancelled continues to mount today (Wednesday).

Pubs and restaurants were still open for business last night in Horncastle.

However, staff at one restaurant admitted people were cancelling bookings - including Mother’s Day.

The Town Council did meet last night but agreed to postpone further meetings for at least three months.

Councillors postponed the planned VE Day celebrations and the forthcoming civic service.

Meanwhile, the town’s Red Lion Theatre has also cancelled performances and Young Stagers sessions on Saturday mornings.