GUNDENHAM Dairy Ltd at Langford Budville has shocked its 1,800 doorstep customers by announcing it will be stopping all household deliveries at the end of this week.
It is the end of an era for part of the business which has been providing the service since 1928.
Business manager Liz Cottrell said yesterday (Thursday): “It is not only upsetting for us, but for our three drivers and customers. Many of our customers have a long association with us. It is not a nice situation to be in. But I should point out we are not closing the wholesale and retail side of the business.
“Customers have been ringing us and offering their sympathies. Our drivers have connections with customers.
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“One of the reasons for stopping the service is that we struggle to get relief drivers. They have to have a break now and again.
“Everyone in business is experiencing problems with rising costs and employment. What is happening is not what we would choose to do.”
In a letter to customers dated December 5, the company states: “Dear customers. It is with great regret that we write to inform you that we are stopping all household deliveries at the end of this week.
“Due to falling customer numbers, ever increasing costs coupled with the difficulty of recruiting staff we have made this difficult decision after providing a doorstep delivery service that started in Wellington in 1928.
“We are not closing; we are continuing deliveries to our wholesale and retail customers.
“Your deliveries could not have been made without the dedication of our roundsmen. They have continued to deliver to your homes throughout the past few difficult years and like us you will appreciate how hard they have worked.
“Thank you for your continued support over many years. We wish you all a Happy Christmas and best wishes for the future. The Cottrell family.”
The Dairy’s decision will particularly affect many older customers. Partially disabled Georgie Austin, 80, of Mitchell Street, Wellington, who has used the delivery service for 25 years, said: “Some customers have been with the dairy for a lot longer than me.
“It is such a shame because we are losing part of Wellington. They deliver in all sorts of weathers - they never let us down.
“I use the service three times a week. It was always there and you could depend on it.
“It is strange because I stopped having milk in my coffee three weeks ago. I’ve no idea why but I look back on it as being a premonition.”