A SHOP has apologised to a pensioner after she was banned from entering during the Covid-19 crisis. 

Eileen Jeffrey, 76, went to top up her gas and electric at One Stop in Oakridge on March 23 when she was told she wasn't allowed to shop there during the pandemic as she was over 70. 

The mother, from Jefferson Road, was asked to leave and was told she was banned. 

A spokesman for One Stop has apologised for the upset the incident caused.

Ms Jeffrey's son Andrew Smale described the situation as "outrageous".

Speaking to the Gazette, Mr Smale said his mother had been left very upset over the incident.

Recounting what happened, he said: "As soon as my mother got inside the store, she was asked to leave by the shop assistant and then banned from entering the shop during the coronavirus crisis because she was over 70.

“She got very upset and had to walk half a mile to another garage so she could top up her fuel.

“She rang to tell me what happened, and I picked her up at the garage."

Mr Smale added: “It is unfair because elderly people rely on these shops. Everyone needs gas and electric.

“This is totally outrageous especially for older people. It is not the courteous thing to do.

“I think that this is going a little too far as most elderly people rely so much on these stores. I did write to the One Stop head office but have no response.”

A spokesman for One Stop described it as a misunderstanding and apologised for the upset caused.

The spokesman said: "This was an unfortunate misunderstanding, and we’re extremely sorry for the upset caused.

"Everyone is welcome at One Stop, and at this challenging time we’re committed to playing our part and supporting everybody in the communities we serve.”