Hucknall supermarkets appeal for shoppers to consider the needs of others after surge in demand

Panic buying has left supermarkets across Hucknall with empty shelves.

The leaders of all major chains have said they are well prepared to keep supplies going so long as demand can be maintained near to normal levels, and have introduced restrictions to stop people stockpiling at home.

Aldi chief executive Giles Hurley, echoing statements from other stores, said: “Our amazing colleagues have been working tirelessly to restock our stores.

“However, unprecedented demand for certain products has made it difficult for us to ensure that there are no gaps on shelves.”

He added: “All of our stores receive daily deliveries, often multiple times a day.

“So if a certain product is not available when you visit, it will be replenished in the overwhelming majority of cases by the following day.”

Iceland has introduced special opening hours for elderly customers. From Wednesday evening, Tesco limited opening hours at all its largest stores from 6am to 10pm.

Its Hucknall and Bulwell superstores were completely emptied of essentials such as nappies and baby wipes.

Lauren Spencer said: “I went for a few bits for my mum’s birthday and I was shocked how bad it is. People were coming out with two trollies stocked full.”

Delivery firm Ocado shut its website for the second half of the week after reaching its maximum order capacity.

Chief executive Melanie Smith said: “We’re managing a simply staggering amount of traffic to our website right now and more demand for products and deliveries than we can meet.”

But other Hucknall shops are stepping in to protect the most vulnerable customers.

A spokesman for Butcher Cassidy and Sons said: “We've put together a list of essentials including meat, bread, milk and eggs.

“If you have an elderly or vulnerable relation that would like an order delivered within Hucknall, six days a week, call 0115 9562285.”

A statement from Select and Save, on Watnall Road, said: “Please do not worry, we are willing to take your shopping orders over the telephone and will arrange for it to be dropped to your house for free. Call 0115 963 5123 by 2pm for same-day delivery.”