The amazing shopkeepers who have kept the North East going during lockdown
WITH supermarkets packed with long queues, our local shopkeepers have been dedicated to keeping the North East going.
From keeping us stocked up on daily essentials to just being a friendly face in these difficult times, these shopkeepers have been there to help.
They have gone above and beyond their roles and helped the most vulnerable during this time.
The unsung heroes have continued to work around the clock to keep our communities going.
West Allotment Village local store Morrisinghs is at the heart of its community.
After winning the North Tyneside’s Business’s Heart of the Community Award, owner Jel Nagra has dedicated his time to helping the vulnerable and isolated people in his community.
The team has received surplus frozen food from Grosvenor Casinos and sandwiches from the Freeman Hospital and has been working hard to support those in need.
Book store Tales As Old As Time has donated children’s books and the Morrisinghs team is delivering them to children to help keep them entertained during lockdown.
However, that is not all. Jel is also a well-loved character in his community and has been lifting customers’ spirits when they visit his shop.
After posting on to the West Allotment Forum Facebook group, Jel is over the moon to see residents in his community willing to help.
Jel said: “Our shop is really at the heart of our community.
“At first, it was difficult to adapt to social distancing guidelines but our whole community has come together to help each other out and it has been brilliant.
“What has got me were the number of people offering to help deliver, lending me their vehicles, coming along to help us at the cash and carry.
“People have been really good, not complained and shared our posts saying buy local - it has been really positive experience.”
Tahir Ali, who owns Scots Estate Premier Top Shop in Jarrow, has dedicated his time during the coronavirus lockdown to ensure the people of South Tyneside and Sunderland have everything they need
The shop owner, also known as Nico, has donated mofe than 1,000 loaves of bread and milk to members of his community over the last month.
His determination to provide for his local community has seen him travel as far as Glasgow to purchase hand sanitiser, wipes and cleaning products which were in high demand.
In recent weeks, Nico has delivered essential supplies to foodbanks across the region, including a pallet of cereal and custard to Hebburn Helps Community Foodbank, after hearing they were running low on the product.
Nico has also delivered bottled water, hot drinks and crisps for NHS staff at South Tyneside District Hospital and Sunderland Royal Hospital.
Nico said: “The community has been there and supported me since day one, so this is my opportunity to give back to them.
“This experience has changed me as it has opened my eyes to the number of people who are struggling and I will continue to help the community when this is over.”