LOCAL retailers offering delivery services have reported being ‘inundated’ with new customers and orders.

Firms delivering food, household items, takeaways, and fresh fruit and vegetables have been overwhelmed since the implementation of the coronavirus lockdown.

Scott Beckman, who runs the Barrow Eats delivery service with his business partner Sam Cunningham, said their app has seen an influx of 2,500 new customers in the last week alone.

“It’s been mental; we can hardly keep up,” he said.

“We’re being approached by lots of new companies, including toy shops, fish and chip shops, and firms delivering alcohol to pubs and restaurants, who want to sign up to Barrow Eats.”

Mr Beckman said yesterday that the number of orders placed via the app had already reached a new daily record as of 6pm.

“We’ve started working with Grange Bakery as he was struggling to cope with staff shortages and he received 70 orders in the first hour alone,” he added.

“In the last week we’ve had 2,500 new customers sign up; bringing our total to around 19,000.”

A number of new companies have been added to Barrow Eats including Sea Breeze Chippy and the Lunch Box while plans to add an Ulverston Eats app are awaiting approval from Apple.

Other popular home delivery firms, such as Chris Wilson Dairyman, have been forced to close to new customers as a result of the increased demand.

Mr Wilson said at 11pm on Thursday: “What a week... I’ve just got in.

“Just getting the next van ready and then I’m off for a sleep.

“We have closed our books to new customers for the time being whilst we settle down.

“Thank you everyone for your understanding and patience during this hectic time and thank you for all the treats and praise on the way round.”

A number of Mr Wilson’s customers praised him for his dedication.

Gemma Holt said: “What a superstar team you are.

“Times of worry and uncertainty yet there you are at goodness knows what time of day providing a service to people free of charge to each and every customers doorstep.

“We appreciate you.”

Barrow’s Business Improvement District’s manager Colin Garnett added: “Thanks for all your hard work Chris.”

Ulverston Meat Company has also been inundated with orders from customers who have been unable to book a supermarket home delivery slot.

There is a list of delivery firms at www.nwemail.co.uk