RESIDENTS have expressed their concern as a group of food delivery drivers congregated outside the recently reopened Parkstone KFC branch.

Pictures emerged of at least half a dozen people, some of which were Deliveroo drivers, waiting outside KFC in Ashley Road.

Bournemouth Echo:

It comes as KFC has gradually opened 20 of its sites over the past two weeks for deliveries only.

It said it will now reopen an additional 80 restaurants across the UK this week, taking its total to 100 by Monday, May 4.

The chain, which has more than 900 sites nationwide and employs around 24,000 people, shut all its restaurants last month due to the coronavirus lockdown.

As well as the Ashley Road branch, the Wimborne Road in Bournemouth has also reopened for delivery.

One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I have contacted head office to get some explanation of what is going on with this and I’ve heard Winton was as bad yesterday too.

“I know they’re trying to work but they haven’t even considered social distancing at all and I worry about the spread of the germs doing this.”

Deliveroo’s background on their social distancing policy says: “The safety of riders, restaurant partners and customers is Deliveroo’s absolute priority.

“Our rider support team is in constant contact with riders about the importance of respecting social distancing, including strict guidance and standards to follow.

“This includes regular prompts within our rider app to remind riders of the importance of contact free delivery, social distancing and hand washing.

“As part of the rider’s supplier agreement, riders must comply with Deliveroo’s safety standards, and we take action when safety standards are not met.

“We have made clear that if a rider is found to not be abiding by these important public health measures - via reports from other riders, customers, restaurant staff or local government officials - they will no longer be able to work with Deliveroo.”

A spokesperson for KFC said: “We’ve introduced new measures to make sure we’re reopening responsibly for both our team members and delivery drivers.

"These include stickers on the floor and clear signage to help delivery drivers follow social distancing guidance, as well as contactless handover of food.

"We’re looking into what’s happened at our Parkstone restaurant and our delivery partners are following up with their riders in the area to remind them of these new processes.”