“INNOVATIVE” market traders in Bradford that are altering their businesses to offer home deliveries during the Coronavirus pandemic have been praised by Bradford Council.

Since the start of the crisis a number of businesses have begun offering fresh food home deliveries to help housebound customers and keep the economy afloat.

The new service offers a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, including Halal, fish and eggs.

Tinned foods, pulses, grains, pasta, flours, rice and oils are also available along with ground spices, cheeses, cakes honey and jam.

No panic buying here - Bradford's Oastler Market avoids coronavirus chaos

Pet products can also be ordered.

With major supermarkets struggling to meet home delivery demand, the new markets’ service gives local people a vital additional option. Many market traders are also better stocked on many items than nation chair retailers.

It also helps relieve strain on supermarkets.

Wholesale trader, Delifresh, which usually supplies produce to top chefs and restaurants in the region, launched the store earlier this month to help support high demands for groceries and ensure those who need it.

The new side to the business has proved hugely popular in its first few weeks.

All Bradford Markets’ food and essential household items stalls remain open and staff are putting social distancing and Covid 19 hygiene measures in place to protect their customers and staff.

St James’s Wholesale Market, off Wakefield Road, has responded to the current crisis with amended opening hours which now run from 5am - 9.30am from Monday to Saturday, with most companies offering deliveries to retailers across the district .

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “In the face of the Covid 19 pandemic, Bradford people are showing great resilience, determination and innovation.

“It’s very important that people Stay. At. Home, so I am pleased market traders are offering this service to enable people to keep staying at home.

“We are doing everything we can to support and protect local people, and we are delighted to see local market traders quickly diversify into local deliveries

People can contact the many Oastler Centre and Keighley Market offering a home delivery service by visiting Bradford Markets’ website www.bradfordmarkets.com/food-traders-still-open-for-business/

For Delifresh home deliveries visit delifreshltd.co.uk.

The pandemic, and calls for everyone to stay at home, has led to many businesses diversifying to add delivery services, from restaurants to breweries.