Supermarket giant Tesco has pledged to investigate reinstating a home delivery service to a “forgotten” Highland community.
Residents of Strathnaver in Sutherland have been left infuriated at the loss of the deliveries, particularly given vans are still driving past their homes to reach destinations further away.
But Tesco chiefs have now promised to carry out a review of the situation – a move that has been seen as a “step in the right direction” by locals.
David Scullin, customer service team manager, told resident Steve Bernard in a letter: “I am continuing to ask our team for regular updates on how their review is progressing.
“But I’m sure you will appreciate … there are numerous factors that we need to ensure we have explored, in order to be able to reach a point where we can make a decision as to whether it will be possible to reinstate a sustainable, long term service.”
He added: “I appreciate that you have expressed your disappointment in how long this is taking and I’m sorry for any frustration this is causing.
“However, I feel that it is right that we give this matter the time and consideration it deserves to ensure that any solution is a workable long term one.”
Tesco has explained the Strathnaver postcode was not on the computer system and any deliveries were only done occasionally when drivers were in the area as a courtesy by the Wick store 45 miles away.
However, after a change in the computer system, it could not guarantee continuing the flexible arrangement so withdrew the service completely.
Residents were informed of the update at a meeting at Strathnaver Village Hall on Tuesday night.
Organiser Steve Bernard, 61, a full-time carer who looks after his 90-year-old mother, said: “We see the response from Tesco as a step in the right direction.
“The situation so far has been ridiculous. It has been like a farcical pantomime.
“Everyone in the community is determined that we should have a delivery service. We don’t have a corner shop, so we rely on the supermarkets.
“Tesco is looking at losing lots of money because the orders we place are quite substantial. There are also three big estates locally, and their orders can reach four-figure sums.
“I have never tried to work so hard to spend my money.”
He added: “I am currently left with a 90-mile round trip, which is very difficult because of my caring commitment to my mother.”
