Let's all work together now to keep Northampton's independent businesses afloat

There's only one c-word on people's lips right now and it is usually said out loud by perplexed shoppers stood next to empty toilet roll aisles in major supermarkets.

While shelves are stripped bare at bigger stores, this newspaper wants to share the message of independant traders who are worrying shoppers will forget about them.

While out and about in Northampton first thing on Monday morning, Aldi, in The Mounts, was one of those major stores not only without toilet rolls but with no olive oil, pasta, fresh minced beef.

After stepping foot inside the supermarket it was obvious more people were taking precautions by buying tinned food, incase they opt to stay at home to self-quarantine against coronavirus.

Unloading his trolley load of food into his boot in Aldi car park, shopper Abdul Ali said the store was "chaotic" but it didn't cause him to overbuy - instead he just thought of his two children and the responsibility he has to keep them well.

"Because there is not much Calpol on the shelves, we bought two Calpols just incase we can't find it again. When you have children it's different - you have to think about them," he said.

After Boris Johnson's press conference at 4pm on Monday - attitudes around Covid-19 seemed to change as the prime minister told the public to avoid gatherings, working from the office, pubs and travelling.

Market trader, Eamonn Fitzpatrick, said his sales had gone up as some customers are avoiding big supermarkets. He said: "Customers are buying ginger, lemon, limes and garlic to keep their immune system up. It all started on Saturday. We think we are busier because people are avoiding the supermarkets."

Bread & Pullet, a 48-seat Northampton restaurant in Wellingborough Road, is also having to adapt the way it serves its food after being hit by cancellations as some would-be customers stay indoors to self-isolate and have launched a takeaway menu.

But where does this leave the independent traders if the public favour internet shopping over face-to-face consumption?

Vintage furniture painter, Marly Lyman, is rallying round the smaller shops, cafes and bars who want to offer a contact-free delivery service where purchases can be made online.

"I'm certainly worried," Marly said. "I think that particularly my industry is really going to be hit because it's not a priority.

"Smaller businesses that sell products which can be used through this period of time are more likely to be okay."

Marly, who runs The Chalk Paint Guy firm in Abington Avenue, started the campaign Monday afternoon and seven businesses have already signed up and will be posting how they can deliver their wares on Facebook and Instagram every day.

"The idea is looking at businesses that could offer a contact-free delivery service where purchases can be made online, without having to make contact with their customers.

"There's been a really positive response from businesses, and everyone that I called up said they want to get on board.

"You can imagine while people are concerned about what they going to eat they are not buying furniture. Myself and other local businesses have been talking about how difficult it has been over the last couple of weeks."

All of the businesses listed have said they can offer digital payments in some form and contact-free delivery - but the specifics may vary per business.

Rachel Roberts, owner of Mooch in St Giles Street, said her shops have seen an increase in online shoppers within the past week.

She said: "We are busy putting more and more products online. I think there is just a reality that it is perilous for smaller businesses at the moment. If you would have told me two weeks ago we would have been looking at this I wouldn't have believed you. We will always do the best we can when people choose us, we will keep doing everything we can to help people and we are really thankful."

On Tuesday, All Saints Church decided to live stream it's church services and on Wednesday more schools have closed and the Royal & Derngate suspended performances and community groups until May 10.

But in these worrying times, Northampton's spirit has shone through.

Communities from all over the town have pulled together to look after those less fortunate.

This is happening in Moulton.

The parish council has written an open letter to residents to offer them dog walking services, food shopping and a friendly phone call.

Jane Austin, executive officer at Moulton Parish Council, said dozens of people have pledged their support to help the vulnerable and those self-isolating. She said: "It's overwhelming, it's very humbling.

"We are so grateful that people are so interested in helping. There's no shortage of help which is lovely - that's and important message to get out to the elderly."