Shoppers love Co-op's slow lane

An Oakham supermarket has gone into the slow lane - and it’s working a treat.

The Co-op store in Burley Road has introduced the special relaxed till from 10am-12 midday during the week.

The flagship shop is acting to help elderly shoppers as well as customers with mental health needs and anxiety, dementia and autism by giving them extra time to process through.

And it’s one of only two Co-op branches out of almost 300 nationwide chosen to trial the groundbreaking scheme.

Paul Brown, a customer team leader at the superstore, said: “It started last week and it’s really taken off.

“The response from everybody right across the board has been brilliant.

“Everyone has been totally positive and supportive.”

He said the new go-slow lane has been set up to support customers who like to take a bit more time doing their weekly shop and engage with staff.

“Not everyone wants to be hurried and rushed through the shop.

“We have a man with Parkinson’s disease who takes a long time to empty his trolley and this new system suits him down to the ground,” said Paul.

“At the Co-op we are actively doing all we can to raise awareness of mental illness issues and taking a stand against pressure.

“We live in a very stressful day and age and we are striving to create a more comfortable and sociable environment for people.

Paul Edwards, Director of Clinical Services at Dementia UK, said: “This will really help people with dementia in their day-to-day
lives.”