Supermarket sweep for Rochdale

GMPTA's Rochdale spokesperson, Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, with the new Shopping Link vehicle.

Shoppers in Rochdale can now be swept from their doorstep and taken to their supermarket thanks to a new door-to-door service.

The new Rochdale Borough Shopping Link launched last month and Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority say it is proving a hit with residents.

The service, for people aged over 60 or with mobility difficulties, picks people up from their homes, takes them to the supermarket and drops them back home again.

GMPTA and Rochdale’s Partnerships for Older People Project (POPPs) jointly fund the service.

GMPTA’s spokesperson for Rochdale, Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, said: “This is a great service and Rochdale residents will really benefit from it.

“It’s important that everyone can get to and from the shops to buy fresh food and this service is helping people to do that.

“I hope that passengers will help to spread the word about Rochdale Borough Shopping Link to their friends, family and neighbours so as many people as possible can take advantage.”

Linda Brackenbury, a regular passenger on the service, said: “It’s really handy because it’s door-to-door so you know you can get there and back again easily – it’s very convenient.

“I’m a carer for my daughter and it really makes a difference to be able to go out and get the shopping done quickly and easily. And the added bonus of this service is that you can meet a lot of people on the minibus too and do your shopping together.”

Passengers from Rochdale Township can use the Shopping Link on Tuesday mornings to Asda or Tesco in Rochdale, or Somerfield in Cutgate (9.30am–1pm), and Monday afternoons to Asda or Tesco in Rochdale, or Morrisons at Kingsway (1.30pm–5.30pm). The service also runs to Rochdale town centre every other Friday (contact the operator for details).

The service is operated by Radio Cabs. To book a journey, passengers should call free phone 0800 018 2333. Fares for GMPTE pass holders cost £1.10 for a single or £2 for a return. Normal adult fares are £2.20 single and £4 return.