DEMAND for home deliveries during the coronavirus pandemic has seen the return of the traditional milkman to more people’s homes.
Those supplying milk to homes and businesses in the dale have noted a surge in demand for their service.
Neil Rabbits, who has been delivering milk to Lartington, Cotherstone, Mickleton, Romaldkirk, Egglestone and Middleton-in-Teesdale for the past 18 years, said not only are more people asking for his service, but existing customers are also asking for more deliveries as they stay home and “drink more cups of tea”.
Before the coronavirus outbreak, he had about 250 customers.
Mr Rabbits said: “We have had a 25 to 30 per cent increase. We bought this company 19 years ago and we built it up but in the last five years we have seen a decline. Now it seems to be picking up.”
He has also seen an increase in demand from the businesses he supplies, including Cotherstone Post Office and G&J Newsagents in Middleton.
He remains uncertain, however, whether people will continue to ask for deliveries when the lockdown ends.
Mr Rabbits said: “That I can only hope. I have had one or two who said they will. There is a return to old traditions. I am just a bit sad it has taken something like this for people to appreciate what we have in the countryside.
Along with milk in glass and plastic bottles, Mr Rabbits also supplies fresh fruit juices, potatoes, eggs and even pet food.
Acorn Dairy, in Darlington, has seen such a huge surge in demand that it is limiting the number of new customers it takes on to ensure their regular customers’ needs are met.
Along with bottles of milk, the dairy delivers eggs, cream, butter, yoghurts, fruit juices and bread from Cross Lanes Organic Bakery.
Caroline Bell, director at Acorn Dairy, said: “We have about ten times as many looking for deliveries. We have 3,500 clients and we have had enquiries to double that.”
She added that while the dairy had two of its staff self-isolating, all staff are still working to meet demand.
Asked if she thought people would continue to use the service once government restrictions were lifted, she said: “I don’t know. Some might.”
People interested in signing up to a traditional milk delivery service can contact Mr Rabbits on 07850821001 or 01833 650839.
