Auto Windscreens and Markerstudy Group have teamed up with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to deliver essential food and medical supplies to around 1,000 vulnerable residents in the area.

The windscreen repair company has lent 10 vans from its fleet to the cause, which will be driven by volunteers from Integra, Markerstudy’s Property division.

The council has launched a hub for vulnerable residents and due to demand, are expecting all ten vans to be in use by the end of this week.

Sheree Dawton, head of group property at Markerstudy, said: “We are delighted to be assisting with efforts in the borough to ensure the most vulnerable of our residents are not left without essential items which many of us take for granted on a daily basis. The team are a credit to Integra, Auto Windscreens and the wider Markerstudy family”.

Markerstudy has communicated strict protocols to their drivers for handwashing and sanitising, and they’re applying social distancing measures to ensure employee and public safety.

James MacBeth, managing director at Auto Windscreens, said: “It’s so important to us that we’re able to do something to help people during this difficult period.

“I’m very proud that our vans are involved in this initiative and hope the sight of them drawing up outside people’s homes will be a source of comfort to those in need.”

Councillor Carol Mackonochie, portfolio holder for communities and wellbeing at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, added: “Volunteers and support from other organisations are at the core of our efforts to ensure that no-one is left isolated during this time.

“We are very grateful to Auto Windscreens and Markerstudy for having offered their vans and drivers to us to use for deliveries to vulnerable people.”

Photo caption: Steve Skinner, landscaping team manager, Markerstudy Group with Auto Windscreens van