The owner and staff at a Sandbach delicatessen and coffee shop have taken the brave decision to revert to a takeaway and delivery service to prevent anyone falling ill from Covid before Christmas.

Emma and Chris Gibson a Gibsons' Greengrocer's & Deli made the decision to protect both staff and customers at their town centre High Street shop opposite St Mary's Church.

They closed the doors to customers on Tuesday (December 14th) and instead are offering takeaway and a home delivery service on their booming business which will reopen its coffee shop in the New Year.

Emma said: "We wanted to protect all our staff and customers. My own family didn't get together last Christmas and a member of staff had a relative in hospital and wasn't able to see them.

"We thought it was only fair to take this decision in view of the new variant and rising cases. Customers have to walk through the shop to get to the café area.

"It's only a short-term measure to ensure that we all have the Christmas we want. We're literally just trying to protect our staff and our customers."

Emma says the move has been met with a positive response and customers are happy to either have a takeaway/collection or home delivery.

Gibsons is also offering a personal shopping experience should customers want it.

"We've had some lovely comments and customers are happy to follow what we are doing. Lots are buying our Christmas hampers. It is a brave move considering the year we've had but we felt it was right," said Emma.

Home deliveries are literally "flying out of the door". Next week a bumper 100 customers will be receiving a delivery from Gibsons in their van with all sorts of produce from mince pies to vegetables.

Gibsons will be closing as usual on Christmas Eve and reopening as normal on January 4th when the popular café area and deli will once again be open.

"We're so looking forward to welcoming customers back into the shop in the New Year and hope everyone has the happy and healthy Christmas we all deserve."