Eastbourne supermarkets react to Covid safety survey

Supermarkets in Eastbourne have given their reaction to a survey which rated them on how safe they keep customers and staff during the pandemic.
Waitrose in Eastbourne (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-171008-102847008Waitrose in Eastbourne (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-171008-102847008
Waitrose in Eastbourne (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-171008-102847008

The survey was carried out recently by Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce and nine supermarkets across the town were graded on aspects of cleaning, one way systems as well as numbers of customers being admitted to stores.

Chamber bosses said it did the survey as a large number of its members who are independent traders had been forced to close as infection rates rise and the country goes into second lockdown.

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Sainsbury’s in The Beacon came top in the survey followed by Tesco in Lottbridge Drove, M&S, Sainsbury’s in Broadwater Way, Waitrose, Morrisons, Aldi in Lottbridge Drove, Lidl in Seaside with ASDA coming last.

Sovereign Harbour Retail Park/The Crumbles, Eastbourne.

Asda SUS-201108-125220001Sovereign Harbour Retail Park/The Crumbles, Eastbourne.

Asda SUS-201108-125220001
Sovereign Harbour Retail Park/The Crumbles, Eastbourne. Asda SUS-201108-125220001

Bosses at ASDA at the Crumbles however disputed the findings of the survey and said there were a number of discrepancies.

A spokesperson said, “Throughout the pandemic we have strictly monitored occupancy levels in all our stores to help customers maintain social distancing and at no point has the Eastbourne store been near full capacity.

“Additionally we have extensive measures such as Covid-marshals, protective screens, social distancing signage and numerous hand sanitiser stations. Our customers can rest assured that we continue to follow all government guidance.”

Eastbourne supermarket survey SUS-210501-114857001Eastbourne supermarket survey SUS-210501-114857001
Eastbourne supermarket survey SUS-210501-114857001
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A spokesperson at Sainsbury’s, which topped the survey, said, “Safety is our highest priority and all our stores continue to have a range of measures in place to keep customers and colleagues safe.

“These measures range from Perspex safety screens between checkouts, additional cleaning, hand sanitiser as well as signs inside and throughout our stores to remind customers to socially distance.

“We continue to remind customers to wear face coverings if they are able to and have greeters outside our supermarkets and busy convenience stores to limit the number of customers. We continue to encourage customers to shop alone where possible.”

Aldi, Waitrose, Morrisons and Lidl have so far not responded to requests for comments but a spokesperson at Tesco said, “The safety of our customers and colleagues is our top priority. We continue to follow all government guidance and we have extensive social distancing measures in all of our stores to ensure customers can maintain a safe distance shopping.”

The chamber’s Christina Ewbank said, “If we are going to contain this virus we implore supermarkets to do more to protect customers as a matter of urgency.”