AN EASTLEIGH-based taxi firm has started offering a discounted delivery service to residents in self isolation.

Taxi company, "440 cars" has started delivering essential shop supplies and medications to the homes of residents that are in self isolation because of the coronavirus.

Residents can call up the company as usual and request a delivery, where they will then say what items they need, pay over the phone and then the items are delivered outside of the their house to avoid all unnecessary contact.

While there is a charge for petrol to ensure the service can continue, this will be dependent on the distance of the journey and will be discounted, with the taxi firm paying for some of the cost.

Shamus Farooq, 30, is the manager of 440 cars and he believes this is a way of "giving back to the community".

He said: "People aren't ordering taxis anymore as people aren't leaving their house, and all of our drivers are self-employed. This was a way to get the drivers driving again, and help out our local community.

"I have stopped all money on advertisement and have put it all into allowing this scheme to take place. We won't be making a profit from this, we're just trying to break even, not exploit people.

"Hopefully other companies follow suit. We have 50 or 60 cars, some taxi firms have hundreds. Imagine what they could do for the community and they should be ashamed if they don't."

Shamus also owns Wintax Cars, based in Winchester, where the same service is being offered.

The scheme originally began as an elderly only service, but has since been adapted to help all people in the community who have been forced to self isolate.