Coronavirus: South Tyneside taxi firms offer free transport to Asda for elderly and vulnerable

Richmond, Westoe, Express and Arrow Taxis have all started offering free transport to and from Asda stores across South Tyneside.

The offer, which is only for the elderly and vulnerable, runs from 6am until 9am to help those affected get what they need during the coronavirus outbreak.

It follows an announcement from Asda on Thursday, March 19 that hours are being set aside in the mornings for the elderly and vulnerable to shop exclusively.

Steven Pippin, 43, is office manager at Richmond Taxis.

He said: “Since we posted on Facebook that we’d do this, we’ve had a fantastic response.

“The desk clerks are giving up their own time to marshall the taxis, they were even going into the supermarkets to help carry shopping.

“Anything that they couldn’t get, the desk clerks were finding themselves and going round to the houses handing them out.”

A customer from Fellgate told the Gazette: "It's a fab service, lovely drivers and I rely on their service all the time."

Ron, a customer from Talbot Road said: “It's a great thing that Richmond are doing because I wouldn't be able to get there without it."

You can call Richmond taxis on: 0191 455 3131 – alternatively there is a free phone available in both Asda South Shields and Asda Boldon.

For more details on the coronavirus outbreak, you can now view our interactive map here.