A low-cost, environmentally friendly delivery service is to be launched in Exmouth, allowing local shops to reach customers who cannot go into town.

Transition Exmouth has won funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to pilot the delivery project.

The funding, distributed by the Transition Network, will pay for the hire of an e-Cargo bike – an electric bicycle fitted with a container for transporting objects. These bikes are environment friendly and cost very little to run.

Transition Exmouth is now surveying local shops and other businesses to find out whether they would use the delivery service, and if so, what items they would like to deliver to customers. Take part in the survey here

The group hopes the project will promote Exmouth's shops, products and services, and help the high street to survive the Covid pandemic.

At a time when many people have turned to online shopping, it will enable them to buy from local suppliers and still enjoy the convenience of home deliveries.

At a Zoom meeting of Transition Exmouth members last week, Angela Mynard, who's leading the e-Cargo bike project, said: "Let's give Amazon a run for its money."

She said the delivery scheme would work well for businesses that have a website and an online ordering system, and could also be used by those taking orders by phone.

It will also benefit Exmouth Friends in Need and the Community Larder, which make local deliveries.

The initial funding will go towards the hire of the electric bike, and the necessary safety equipment and insurance, to run the delivery scheme for the first two or three months. After that, if the project is a success, Transition Exmouth will seek further investment to keep it going.

Anyone who would like to know more about the project is asked to email [email protected]

Visit Transition Exmouth for more information about the group.