RESIDENTS at a Port Glasgow independent living complex can rest easy knowing that they will get their shopping essentials delivered to their door during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Crosshill Gardens is running a pillowslip shop to help tenants who are self-isolating and can't see their family.

Tenants note what they need on a checklist, pop it in a pillowcase with the money needed outside their door, and it's delivered back to them with their shopping.

Retirement housing manager Michelle McKinnon has been working with Inverclyde community wardens Mark Lynch and Neil Smith on the shop, with help from Michael Grant and the team at the Co-op in Dubbs Road.

Over the last three years, community wardens Mark and Neil have visited tenants in the Bield Housing and Care complex every day, joining them for a cup of tea and a chat in the day room.

Social distancing measures mean that things are a bit different at the moment but the duo will be back befriending when lockdown is over.

Mark suggested the pillowslip shop idea at a meeting with Michelle and the team - and the delivery service is proving to be a great source of comfort to older ladies and gents at this difficult time.

Mark said: "A lot of the residents don't want to go out just now as they're terrified of the virus.

"We knew that we had to do something to make sure they had supplies.

"It's a cracking wee idea and it's been really successful.

"The families of the residents are really supportive and appreciative of it, as they know that we're looking out for their relatives.

"Some of the families are self-isolating too so they can't get to see their mums and dads.

"We're giving people contact with the outside world and letting them know there's someone here for them."

Retirement housing manager Michelle goes through the orders and sends the list to Michael at the Co-op.

Mark and Neil collect the orders from the shop and supplies are delivered to door in the pillowcases twice a week.

The pillowslips are then washed and dried again, ready for the next pick up.

Michelle praised the community wardens, staff at the shop, and community police for their help all year round - and especially at this difficult time.

The Co-op also donated Easter eggs to residents and the police recently brought in plants for the garden which were planted by the wardens.

Michelle said: "Michael at the Co-op has been exceptional and has helped us with whatever we need.

"The staff have been absolutely fantastic and they go above and beyond.

"Residents are pleased that they still have that lifeline, they're so grateful.

"There's now a pattern emerging so we're getting to know what people need.

"We have to keep communications open and keep that contact.

"Residents know that people out there are looking after them.

"Port Glasgow is a very special place - people in this town all look out for each other.

"We're seeing so many special acts of kindness through this and people are finding different ways to support each other.

"It's so important for our tenants to be in contact with positive people as it keeps their spirits up and shows them that there's light at the end of the tunnel."