ICELAND supermarket in Chineham made special special arrangements for elderly and vulnerable customers to gain exclusive early access to food and services, immediately after stores have been deep-cleaned and to avoid panic shopping.

Iceland in Chineham allowed the two hours of this morning for the elderly and vulnerable only. It said: “We are encouraging our store managers to dedicate the first two hours of opening on Wednesday morning to the elderly (those of state pension age) and vulnerable people in their community, such as those with disabilities."

It comes as restaurants, supermarkets and businesses look to adapt to keep the Basingstoke functioning smoothly during the coronavirus crisis.

McDonald's at the leisure park and at Brighton Hill will now be open for drive-through orders only while Tesco is limiting its opening hours. The superstore in Chineham will now close at 10pm, as opposed to being open until midnight.

Meanwhile, Nationwide building society on Potters Walk has announced it will now be opening an hour early – at 8am instead of 9am – for customers over the age of 70 and those with underlying health conditions.

  • Is your shop or supermarket doing something special? Let us know: newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk