Panic buying toilet rolls and pasta hits West Bridgford as buyers ignore advice

West Bridgford superstore has empty shelves as people stock up on toilet rolls and pasta.

These pictures show ASDA West Bridgford on Loughborough Road this evening ( 9 March ).

Various other products were low on stock too and shelves of rice were almost empty.

The government is relaxing restrictions on delivery hours for shops to make sure shops remain stocked with basic items amid stockpiling concerns.

The environment department, Defra said it would work with local councils to increase the frequency of deliveries.

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Environment Secretary George Eustice said by allowing more night-time deliveries, stock would be able to move more quickly from warehouses to shelves.

Deliveries are currently restricted overnight to avoid disturbing local residents.

The temporary measures have been brought in after a meeting on Friday between leading supermarkets and Mr Eustice. It saw firms call for help from the government to deal with increased demand from customers amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Mr Eustice said: “We have listened to our leading supermarkets and representatives from across the industry, and we are taking action to support their preparations.”

he government earlier said there was “no need” for coronavirus stockpiling, as worried shoppers clear shelves.

Tesco and Waitrose are among retailers restricting sales of essential food and household items, in-store or online.

Shoppers have reported shortages of items such as toilet roll and hand soap at their local stores.

Several shops have introduced sales restrictions on certain items, to ease the flow of supply.

At Tesco, shoppers are limited to buying no more than five of certain goods, including antibacterial gels, wipes and sprays, dry pasta, UHT milk and some tinned vegetables.

Waitrose has brought in a temporary cap on some items on its website, including some anti-bacterial soaps and wipes.

Meanwhile, Boots and Asda are restricting some types of hand sanitiser to two bottles per person.