GUNDENHAM Dairy business manager Liz Cottrell has described the decision to stop doorstep deliveries to its 1,800 customers as ‘heartbreaking.’

The dairy announced last week its three drivers would be losing their jobs because this side of their business was no longer profitable.

Liz said yesterday: “The phones have been ringing non-stop. Obviously it is very sad for many people.

“People’s shopping habits have changed since the pandemic. They have gone back to having their shopping delivered to the door by supermarkets.

“The truth is that if you are only selling milk, there is no margin of profit. Yet our drivers were awesome during civid.

“The dairy trade has changed. Once there were five dairies in the area. Now it is just us.

“Unfortunately, we will not be reconsidering our decision. Sadly, there is no going back. You cannot run the business as a charity."

In a letter to customers last week, the dairy said: “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.”

And the dairy stressed: “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.”

One of the drivers has stayed on to help out with other duties.

Gundenham Dairy Ltd is based at Langford Budville, on the outskirts of the town. Like all dairy farmer producers, they have faced surging costs, which has forced many out of business. Milk consumption has also dropped considerably over the years.

Gundenham, however, has a striving wholesale and retail businesses which is separate from doorstep deliveries.