Eastbourne’s supermarket panic buyers should hang their heads in shame

This letter is directed to all the panic-buying members of our society.

I am ashamed to belong to a society that shows so much unadulterated greed. I live in a residence with approximately 45 residents, most of whom are of pensionable age. I am 80 years of age and reasonably mobile so I am able to go to the shops whenever I want.

But many of our residents cannot leave the building except with a relative or carer.

This means that many are not able to stockpile any of the items currently in short supply. Of course the reason they are in short supply is because of the actions of some of our society. I witnessed on Thursday a woman buying eight packets of nine toilet rolls and when I returned home one of my elderly neighbours was in tears because she had no toilet rolls at all. I had to lend her one from my own meagre supply.

I hope the woman who bought those toilet rolls was happy sitting at home with what represented almost a years supply for the old woman felt some sort of satisfaction with her actions.

What sort of society is it that creates shortages such as this with no thought for the more disadvantaged among us? Do they not feel shame at their actions?

The situation is now approaching monumental proportions and it seems the stores themselves are happy to let customer’s panic buy, as it clears the shelves and they can make a short term profit.

I grew up during the war and know what it is to do without and have everything on ration. So maybe the government might consider the idea again. The difference in those times was that neighbours helped each other by spreading the word when a shop had certain goods on sale.

But in the first instance it is the stores themselves who must devise some measure of restraining their customers. I have resolved not to panic buy, but it is hard when I know I will run out of something in a week, not to buy more than I need merely as a safeguard against a future shortage. They should also cut down the amount customers can buy to one of each.

We were told by Boris Johnson to self-isolate for a week if needed.

Firstly there are uncountable numbers of visitors, carers, and relatives coming in to our building every day. And did anybody give any thought to old age pensioners and those at risk staying at home whilst all the supermarket shelves are being stripped bare of all the essentials to life?

One bright spot in my week occurred when a young member of my writing group sent an email to the other members including myself, that she was willing to collect any groceries or prescriptions for us older ones.

So at least there are some people who take the trouble to help others. It’s a pity there aren’t more, but at least we will remember her for her caring attitude and curse the avaricious and shameless morons who make our life so miserable.