A SHOP insists it is doing all it can to keep staff and customers safe in the coronavirus crisis.

The Co-op food store, in Earls Colne, has hit back against claims by a shopper that not enough is being done to protect workers and customers.

The resident, who asked not to be named, said: “There is complete disregard for staff and customer safety in the Earls Colne Co-op.

“No customer number restrictions means that social distancing is impossible.

“To compound matters, stock cages left in aisles means overcrowding is worsened.

“The till staff stand shoulder to shoulder with no protection from the public.

“Unaccompanied children are allowed in to buy sweets, customers and staff stand together in groups of three or four, chatting as if nothing has changed.

“Designated cross-hatching on the floor, designed to keep people apart is also ignored.”

Many shops which have remained open during the outbreak have introduced measures to increase safety, such as only allowing a few people in shops at any time and making customers stay two metres apart.

The Co-op insists it also has measures in place.

A spokesman said: “The health and well-being of our colleagues and customers is always our first priority.

“We have introduced a number of measures to help protect our colleagues and customers, which include installing screens at every till and new floor signage reminding everyone to keep at least two metres apart.

“This is in addition to the cross-hatched markings around our till points.

“We are restricting the number of people who can enter our stores, as well as temporarily closing stores when we get deliveries to help our team re-fill the shelves as safely as possible.

“We’re also providing gloves and hand sanitiser for our colleagues.”

The spokesman added: “We are issuing regular communications to both our customers and colleagues, reminding them of government guidance and the measures we are putting in place. Our colleagues are doing a fantastic job keeping our stores stocked and open in what are incredibly difficult circumstances.

“We all need to work together and do our bit to adhere to the guidance and take responsibility for our actions.”