FIFE MSP Alex Rowley has called on people to stop panic shopping stating that these actions are making the coronavirus crisis worse while also making life much more difficult for those on the frontline.

The area's supermarkets have been finding stocks under pressure at times, as people have been trying to buy, in some cases three times as much as in a normal weekly shop.

The Kelty based MSP said that it all added up to some 'key workers' struggling to get provisions and some elderly citizens also finding less filled shelves as worrying

He commented: “We need our frontline workers in health, social care, and indeed, many public services to be able to access food and basic essentials.

"There is no need for bulk buying as the supply chains are all working. We really need people to calm down and stop making matters worse.

"We know that this the coronavirus crisis is going to get more bad before it gets better and therefore we need people to come together, work together and act responsibly”.

The MSP added that a lot of good work is going on within the community, such as the BERT team in Benarty, and Fife Council are working to co-ordinate community support to ensure no one is left at home without the basic essentials, but that requires people to shop responsibly.

Fife Council's Paul Vaughan reported that the local authority is working with Fife Voluntary Action to help individuals looking for support.

FVA can be contacted by email at helpinghand@fva.org or by phone on 0800 389 6046,

The council is offering support for groups in local areas. These groups can contact the authority know by email at: communityhelp@fife.gov.uk

The local community development teams are contacting groups locally to offer support.

The Council and FVA will also be issuing guidance for groups and individuals who wish to volunteer including to follow Government advice on minimising transmission.

Paul added: "Ourselves and FVA will be working together to co-ordinate activity across Fife in order to minimise duplication and identify any gaps".