HOW TO GET YOUR PDE DELIVERED DURING LOCKDOWN
DES BARR IS HELPING BUDDIES GET THEIR NEWS FIX
Teenagers delivering thousands of newspapers to elderly and isolated people since the lockdown began have been hailed by a leading Paisley newsagent.
Des Barr said dozens of his customers, who would have purchased the Paisley Daily Express from his Sinclair Barr Newsagents, in Glasgow Road, are now getting their news delivered by 60 dedicated teenagers.
He’s also reported an overall increase in the number of people seeking delivery.
Des explained: “The biggest issue for us right now is ensuring that we are providing a service for people, particularly those who are unable to go out or are isolating.
“For our older customers, if they ever needed us, they need us now.”
The deliveries have only been made possible thanks to the paperboys and girls who deliver broadsheets and tabloids all across the town.
The youngsters have been working from home, getting the papers delivered to their doorsteps by taxi before sorting them into orders and delivering to customers.
They have been doing all their tasks while adhering to social distancing and handwashing guidelines.
“On the whole, they are aged between 13 and 17 and, in terms of the service side of things, the number of customers who have written emails or sent a card to say thank you has been wonderful,” Des said.
“Without the kids, we would not be able to get the papers out.
“There are 60 of them and they cover a huge distance.
“There are people who get their paper delivered every day and that’s continuing, but, for the customers who normally go out for it, but have stopped, they are benefitting from what the kids are doing.
“The customers are amazed and the letters, texts and calls we have had to commend them is great.”
Sinclair Barr Newsagents is one of six across Renfrewshire that are upping their deliveries of the Paisley Daily Express.
Meadows Discount Store and Neilston Road Post Office are also Paisley-based businesses offering delivery, as are Khalid and Ashraf newsagents, in Renfrew, and Top Cards and The Paper Shop, both in Johnstone.
Woodrow’s, in Bishopton, and Howwood Village Store are also taking orders for the Express.
Gavin McInally, editor of the Paisley Daily Express, said: “We are continuing to work hard to bring all the latest Covid-19 news and guidance to our readers, alongside all the usual content they have grown to expect from the Express.
“What has struck us over these past few weeks is that, while many of our readers will source our articles online, the paper product is still hugely important to our readers.
“We are constantly being asked by our readers how they can get a copy of the paper during the lockdown, so we are delighted these newsagents are delivering to homes all across Renfrewshire, particularly to our older and more vulnerable residents.
“Our customers are continuing to abide by the lockdown restrictions and we are very grateful for that and their continued support of the NHS.”
To organise a newspaper delivery, contact your local shop – Sinclair Barr Newsagents, 0800 917 6788; Meadows Discount Store, 0141 889 5442; Neilston Road Post Office, 0141 889 4401; Khalid and Ashraf newsagents, 0141 886 2902; Top Cards, 01505 328381; The Paper Shop, 01505614123; Woodrow’s, 01505 862338; Howwood Village Store 01505 704487.