A TOTNES farm shop has come up with a wheely good idea to ensure customers can still get their veggies while the town centre is closed to traffic during vital gasworks.

Staff at Ben’s Farm Shop are taking the food to the people with the help of Sheila the Trolley – named after one of the shop’s longstanding customers.

Last week, Wales and West Utilities began phase one of a three month road closure to carry out essential gas works. The work involves digging up Fore Street and South Street and is expected to finish on March 31.

Traders fear the work will lead to a loss of trade, despite assurances from the utilities company that all public footpaths will remain open and disruption will be kept to a minimum.

Farm shop manager Charlotte Mulley explained: “We thought shutting the High Street might impact footfall but so far that hasn’t happened and many of our customers are enjoying less traffic.

“However, some of our regulars are elderly or unable to physically walk to the shop so we thought let’s take the farm shop to them.”

Ben’s trolley service is available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with customers ordering over the phone and staff packing and delivering shopping on foot to people in the local area.

Charlotte said: “We’re a real community shop and know most of our customers on first name terms.

“We delivered to people’s doors in the pandemic and we’re happy to do it again whilst the High Street is closed; we love seeing our customers and it keeps us fit!”