FOLLOWING store closures as an initial response to the COVID 19 pandemic, the Lochore based family baker, Baynes, with stores across Fife and Edinburgh, has re-opened 42 of its shops providing fresh baked goods to the local community and a delivery service for those who are isolating at home.

The shops in Lochgelly, Benarty and Cowdenbeath have been operating a 9am to 2pm opening hours set up.

John Bayne, joint Managing Director said: "We are continuing to implement changes to our format as the safety and wellbeing of our staff and customers remains the highest priority.

"We are delighted to have been able to safely re-open in 42 locations and, when our other shops can, we will continue to open them with extra safety measures in place."

The measures the bakery has implemented includes: A limited range of essential goods, most of which will be packaged at the bakery. Fewer staff in shops due to the simplified offer, enabling social distancing. Perspex screens at tills. Only accepting card payments and preferably contactless. Allowing only a restricted number of customers into the shops by using posters in windows, social distancing stickers on floor, A-frame boards with social distancing measures at the door, and a member of staff to restrict customer numbers into each shop. And reduced opening hours.

John continued: "I would like to thank all our staff for their hard work and support over the past few challenging weeks. Please could you respect the systems we have put in place to keep other customers and our staff safe by social distancing."

In addition to its programme of store re-openings, the baker has also made available a home delivery service in the KY12, KY11 KY7, KY6, KY5, KY4, KY2 & KY1 areas. Orders placed Monday to Thursday will be delivered in 2 working days. Where an order is received over a weekend Friday – Sunday delivery will be Tuesday.

"We hope to add more areas soon," concluded John.