Businesses in Eastbourne are supporting our community during coronavirus outbreak

And the Herald wants to highlight these stories of generosity and innovation as part of its #SupportLocal campaign, urging readers to use their local businesses for deliveries and services in this time.

Head chef James Penn and his kitchen team at The Hydro Hotel baked 70 fresh scones and delivered them, along with cream and jam, to NHS staff at Eastbourne District General Hospital.

Jonathan Owen, general manager said “We wanted to support our local community and give a little something to the NHS staff who are working tirelessly hard at the Eastbourne District General Hospital. Our team are still working in the kitchen and feeding Eastbourne with the introduction of our new food delivery service and wanted to help our local hospital.

"We are very popular with afternoon tea and receive great feedback on our scones in particular. We decided to take this feedback forward and bake a large batch of scones and deliver them straight from our oven to the NHS staff to enjoy as a little bit of indulgence during this challenging time.”

Botts Opticians in Grove Road is making sure its customers won't go without during the lockdown.

Owner Adam Botts said: “I’m going out and delivering glasses to key workers, and vulnerable people self-isolating. I did seven deliveries on Saturday.

“We’re also running a triage for key workers and vulnerable people or those who have an emergency. You can just call or email in.

“We’re part of the community, I have lived here for 20 years now, Eastbourne is my home.”

One reader contacted us to tell us about the work on Old Town newsagents, Scott's.

Scott's is offering deliveries for the vulnerable free of charge, and doing regular check-ins with elderly customers.

The reader told us: "It’s nice at a time like this that the community comes together as one and supports each other. This is a massive shout out to say we appreciate you."

Switching to deliveries

Many restaurants and shops are now switching to deliveries in order to keep trading through the lockdown.

Seeracha on Seaside has had to close its restaurant, but it’s delivering its curry, stir fries and noodle dishes to homes in Eastbourne.

Stone Cross Nurseries will be delivering garden goods including plants and seeds to its customers.

As part of the Herald's #SupportLocal campaign, we are highlighting businesses doing good in the community at this time. Let us know your stories by emailing [email protected]

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

Thank you for reading this story on our website.

But I also have an urgent plea to make of you.

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In addition, please write to your MP urging the Government to provide some additional financial support for local newspapers and their websites like this one and ensuring that supermarkets continue to stock them. I cannot stress enough how important such an intervention would be.

We thank all our readers and advertisers for their understanding and support - and we wish YOU all the best in the coming weeks. Keep safe, and follow the Government advice. Thank you.