Grangemouth taxi firm delivering free afternoon tea and flowers to elderly

Aware that many of its regulars are isolating at home, Kerse Cabs in Grangemouth wanted to give those individuals a metaphorical lift.

The company then contacted fellow Dundas Street businesses Nellies Cafe and Poppy’s and Petals to request products, with drivers putting their hands into their own pockets to cover the costs.

In further gestures of goodwill, Nellies are giving Kerse Cabs a £1-per-box discount for their £5 afternoon tea sets, while Poppy’s is donating its display boxes for free.

Kerse Cabs vehicles will stop off at dozens of homes this week to hand over the gifts.

Gordon Waddell, the firm’s managing director, said: “We’ve got a lot of elderly customers who we used to get going up to the bingo and The Royal British Legion.

“They’ve been in lockdown for quite a while and we just decided to try to put a wee smile on their faces in these hard times to show we’re still here for them.

“These are tough times for everybody — people can’t see their parents. We’re planning on distributing roughly 72 tea boxes and 72 flower displays.

“All the drivers have chipped in, it’s not just the company itself. It’s to show our appreciation.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to see the customers’ faces, it makes it all worthwhile.”

Kerse Cabs is continuing to provide the elderly with free transport to Iceland in Grangemouth on Wednesday mornings between 10am and midday.

The firm is also offering a 30 to 40 per cent deduction in fares for key workers on journeys to and from their place of work.

Gordon added: “We’re also in partnership with Kersiebank Food Project and The Royal British Legion and do collections and deliveries for them.

“It gives us something to do and it helps all these other projects.

“Thank you to our customers for all your support over the years, it’s much appreciated. We’re here for you no matter what your needs are.”