The withdrawal of the Co-op’s excellent phone-and-delivery service will be a big blow to many in West Wight. I first heard of this service through a neighbour at the beginning of lockdown, when I was nearly in tears at my inability to obtain a delivery slot at several supermarkets, despite being a priority customer.

The service has provided a lifeline for me and many others in similar circumstances, particularly those of us living on our own.

It seems very odd to withdraw the service at a time when infection rates are undoubtedly rising and many scientists believe a second wave has already begun.

Although the Co-op has done its best to make the store Covid-safe, the failure of some customers to respect social distancing makes some more vulnerable people feel unsafe there. I have written to management suggesting a phone-and-collect service might provide a viable alternative, but have so far had no response.

Read more: Please keep this community lifeline

Friends who order online (and not everyone can) from other supermarkets tell me it is still difficult to get a delivery slot, and one needs to order at least two or three weeks in advance. For those of us with small freezers this is really not an option.

I hope everyone who has benefited from this service will keep urging the Co-op to reintroduce it when the infection rate gets worse, as is likely during the winter months.

In the meantime may I say a big thank you to all the local home delivery team, who have been so helpful, cheerful and friendly during this difficult time.

Read more letters sent to the County Press here. Do you have a view on this or any other subject? Send us a letter to editor@iwcp.co.uk