Ashby Co-ops are opening their stores up to workers who plan to walk or cycle to work as the Coronavirus lockdown starts to ease.

Central England Co-op has outlined a range of free services that bikers and walkers can access in its shops as they travel to and from work after the Government advised people who can return to work to do so via walking and cycling if possible to help maintain social distancing and ease potential pressure on public transport.

Cycling and walking commuters can enjoy free water refills, charging points for their phones, indoor and outdoor seating and customer toilets when they stop off at selected Central England Co-op stores, while free bike repair kits will be available at all stores from this week.

Cyclists are also able to leave their bikes safe and secure as all shops have bike racks outside for their use.

Debbie Robinson, Central England Co-op Chief Executive, said: "As a co-operative, our communities are always at the heart of all our decisions, especially during these uncertain times.

"This is why we wanted to make sure we are there for people heading back to work and supporting those choosing to walk or cycle to help continue efforts to defeat the Coronavirus.

"Anyone commuting to or from work can nip into one of our stores and enjoy free access to all different kinds of support from customer toilets and water refills to special charging points and special store bike repair kits."

The retailer has also started rolling out a specialist feature at some of its new sites, a public use bicycle repair station.

Colleagues at the Society can also apply to take advantage of the Cycle to Work Scheme, which allows people heavily discounted bikes to get to work.

People can find their nearest store by visiting Central England Co-opor visit Co-op Updates to find out about its local community to the Coronavirus pandemic.