Weather
Apetito heroes plough through snow to make sure elderly are fed
10:50am Sunday 10th January 2010
Croydon's meals on wheels service has been delivering meals to the elderly on foot to ensure every customer gets a warm meal this winter.
In spite of the severe weather virtually stranding some residents in their own homes Apetito delivery drivers and their family members have been navigating the ice the deliver the hot meals.
Sara Rogers, depot manager at Croydon said: “The weather has been atrocious, in spite of these conditions, in fact, because of these conditions, we have to ensure all meals are delivered on time to local residents.
“Some of our drivers could not get to the depot so others worked overtime, even family members of the staff came in to help and because schools were closed, we provided a baby-sitting service for those of the team who needed it.”
More than 80 per cent of meals have had to be delivered on foot because the freezing temperatures have meant snow has been compacted into ice making driving in and out of customer's roads nearly impossible.
Mrs Rogers said: “ It’s been fantastic, a real ‘we’ll not be beaten’ atmosphere. We know our customers rely on us, we’re often the only person they see in a day and we were not going to let them down.
“Overall we have had nothing but thanks for our service as most people did not expect us to reach them but we have all worked as a team to get the job done so all the elderly and vulnerable have received a hot meal and we have checked on them making sure they are warm enough and got everything they need.”
Due to the prediction of more bad weather, gritters have been forced to concentrate on main roads with the exception of some side roads, to maintain stocks of grit.
This has meant the closure, revision and reduction of services in areas like Coulsdon and Purley.
Cabinet member for health and adult social care, Councillor Lindsay Frost, said: “The Council is exceedingly please with the magnificent service Apetito has provided through one of the most difficult periods of this year.
“The job was made even more difficult than usual by the adverse and severe weather conditions.
“Staff have worked unbelievably hard to look after the vulnerable citizens who rely on this valuable service.”
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