Atherstone MP Craig Tracey turns delivery driver in new 'meals on wheels' service for the town and district hit by Covid-19

OPERATION BIG BAKE-OFF HITS THE ROAD FROM BADDESLEY TODAY FOR 'COMMUNITY IN NEED'

MP CRAIG Tracey has volunteered to help deliver a new 'meals-on-wheels' service being launched today for the vulnerable, elderly and self-isolating in Atherstone and district trapped by the coronavirus outbreak.

Our man in Westminster has offered to join a posse of people brought together by Atherstone's Coffee Shop owner Angie Spencer to get food out to those in the community struggling to deal with the knock-on effects of Covid-19.

The Atherstone town councillor and business partner Stephen Reay have been given permission to use St Nicholas Church Hall in Baddesley Ensor as the 'Big Bake-Off' headquarters where up to 100 traditional meals are being prepared this morning – ready to go out from lunchtime to "needy" residents.

Cllr Spencer told Nub News providing the twice-weekly service would normally be taken for granted but these are "unprecedented" times where communities are now living under Government direction – placed under on an "emergency footing" with a different set of rules for "at least six months".

So the planning of this service – approved by North Warwickshire Borough Council – has had to pass stringent safety tests more associated with a wartime setting.

It will start with the kitchen arrangements at the church hall, which have been assisted by Ian Sweet from Baddesley Social Club.

The meals will be packaged and placed on tables at least two metres apart to enable the volunteer drivers to pick up and take to their cars and vans.

The meal recipients have all been given delivery slot times. The individual delivery team member will leave the two-course meal outside the home, knock the door or ring the bell and then watch from a "safe" distance to see the nutritional parcel of goodwill has been picked up.

Today's service should hit the road around 1pm and take three hours to complete.

Cllr Spencer added: "Everything has been organised to ensure that both the dedicated volunteers and the person receiving the meal is safe at all times," said.

"We have no intention of putting anyone at risk."

The coffee shop owner has been providing lunches for Mancetter Connections at St Peter's Church in the village for the last eight months, raising £2,000 for good causes, while Mr Reay does meals at Baddesley Church on alternate Mondays.

This service – available on Mondays and Fridays – will consist of a two-course meal which will cooked but arrive cold.

"All the person will have to do is pop it in the microwave or heat up in the oven," she added.

The meal recipients are being asked to make a voluntary contribution to help with the cost of the ingredients for the continuing service.

"The funds will then pay for the next batch of meals," said Cllr Spencer.

"It doesn't matter whether it's a £1 or £3, we're just doing it to help in this situation."

Through Nub News, Cllr Spencer, who is chairman of the HAT Community Café at St Mary's Church, Atherstone, has asked for anyone who is a need of a two-course meal – or knows of someone who is vulnerable, elderly or in self-isolation and cannot get a hot meal – to call her on 07974 302910.