Coronavirus: Bognor Regis café launches free delivery service to help elderly and vulnerable

Rick’s Café closed last week after the government's ban on social premises due to the spread of Covid-19 but customers can still enjoy their favourite meals for breakfast and lunch at home.

Owner Rick Rayner, who runs the café with his wife Colleen in Queensway, said: "It's far more than a café. Yes, the main reason people come in is for the food, of course but there is a strong community feel here and we see lots of regulars who enjoy not just the meals but the social side, too.

"We have been supported over the years by these people and feel duty bound to try to help them out in this time of need and thought the free delivery service was a great way to do this.

"Of course, we are happy to comply with the government policy of closing places where people congregate and this is absolutely the right thing to do.

"But we can deliver takeaways and from Monday, March 23 we will do that, as well as delivering to those who need us most."

Long-standing customer Kevin Welling, a plumber from Aldwick, said the service is a fantastic idea, adding: "Not everyone has a ready-made support network and the old and vulnerable need to self-isolate this is a great way of ensuring they get the nourishment they need. The grub at Rick’s Café is delicious and inexpensive, too.”

Colleen says the delivery service will be primarily for the elderly and vulnerable 'while other people can collect takeaway orders'.

She said: "We will be opening only for takeaways and deliveries. Please phone ahead and place your order on 01243 842598.

"We appreciate all your support and know that along with other local businesses with everyone behind us we will get through this."

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