Disabled man ‘left with no food’ after Asda driver ‘refuses to carry it’ upstairs to his door
Supermarket reminds customers to inform it of special delivery requirements
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A disabled man was reportedly left with no food over the weekend after the Asda delivery driver did not take his £270 shopping up a flight of stairs to his home.
James Doherty has a number of health issues, including sciatica and degenerative disease in his back, and is not able to leave his home in Wythenshawe, Manchester, due to the pandemic.
He is reliant on food deliveries and arranged for the £270 worth of goods to be delivered to his abode last Saturday, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
The 45-year-old told the paper: “When he pressed the buzzer, I let him in and said he could come on up.”
“I was standing at my door with my walking stick but there was silence from him.
“I shouted out if he was alright as I couldn’t hear him moving and he said something about him not being able to bring it up to me.
“I tried to explain to him that I am disabled and couldn’t carry it up myself, and then I heard him say that he was going to leave if I didn’t come down.”
Mr Doherty tried to get downstairs as quickly as he could but fell in the process leaving him in “absolute agony.” The delivery driver had already left the premises.
The 45-year-old managed to get back to his flat but had to spend his final £50 on a food shop from a supermarket rival that arrived on Monday.
Mr Doherty posted his experience on social media and said although it was too late to get his shopping he would like an apology from the supermarket giant.
A spokesperson for Asda told the Manchester Evening News: “Our colleagues have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to deliver shopping to millions of customers and we will always try and drop it off at their door.
“On the rare occasion that our colleague deems it unsafe to do this, we will always try and let the customer know and arrange an alternative delivery.
“We have apologised to Mr Doherty for the confusion on his delivery and we would remind all customers that if they have any special requirements they can enter it in the special instruction box at checkout.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments