From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By John Nurden, 28 May 2020.

How Sheppey and Sittingbourne firms have reacted to the coronavirus lockdown.

The way people shop has totally changed since the coronavirus lockdown.

But some businesses in Sittingbourne and on Sheppey have been quick to respond to the new needs.

Although pubs and restaurants were forced to close, some have adapted into takeaways.

 The Playa bar and restaurant at The Leas, Minster, has had to abandon plans to introduce a mobile bar to cater for visitors to the beach following complaints from neighbours. But it is now selling takeaway food from its front door.

Brother and sister Neil and Laura Moran at the Playa, Minster.

Laura Moran, who runs the venue with her brother Neil, said: "Concerns have been raised about the mobile bar attracting crowds of people to the beach from other parts of the county and therefore putting our residents at risk.

"For us, this was a way to claw back some of our lost trade. Being one of the very few businesses on the Island which did not qualify for the government grant it has been a real struggle to keep things ticking over.

"However, the people who keep us ticking over all year round are our local community and therefore we must listen and act on their concerns, as we have done since this pandemic began."

The pub is running an off-licence for pre-booked orders and a pre-booked takeaway food service but on Friday it launched a limited takeaway at its front door from noon for burgers and fish and chips.

Laura said: "The amount of orders we received at the weekend overwhelmed us. We are so grateful to everyone. It is pretty scary for us all but we are doing all we can to keep this business going. We are resilient, we adapt and have a huge passion for our trade. When we do open, we will have a few surprises up our sleeves for you all."

Staff have also been out helping to clean up litter left on The Leas.