'He's feeding the community' - Praise for 'amazing' Wakefield shopkeeper during lockdown

Amit Pugal runs N K Pugal convenience store and Jai's Takeaway on Hoyland Road, Kettlethorpe, with the help of his mum, wife and sister.

While the country adapts to life under lockdown, the family have been doing their best to help out, ordering in specialist products and delivering food and essentials to vulnerable people in isolation.

Rachael Platts, who lives nearby, was so impressed with Amit's dedication that she asked the Express to help shine a light on his hard work.

She said: "He's feeding the community of Kettlethorpe. He's even getting things in for the kids to do, he's stocking up on everything we can imagine. I think he's doing an amazing job.

"He goes out of his way for anyone but he really has stepped the game up this time. He's been amazing. He's been doing deliveries and everything.

"I've been there about six years now, everyone knows him, they know they can go to him."

Her praise was echoed by Mandi Campbell, who said: "This family are not grandstanding, nor are they doing this because of the virus - they are just exceptionally good people all round.

"I had an operation last September and was housebound for three months, but Amit was true to his word and delivered in all weathers. I really don't think I'd have coped without them.

"They truly are a very special couple and deserve recognition for all they do in this community."

And Suzanne Marshall added: "Amit and his wife Simran and the rest of their family have gone massively above and beyond for our locals.

"They have ensured they have everything in and more, they've provided free [hand sanitiser] to NHS staff, they've offered free delivery to local areas and just in general are the kindest, nicest people you could meet.

"The locals would be absolutely lost without them."

But despite appreciating the recognition, Amit said he believed the family were simply doing their part for the community,

Amit said: "A lot of people have been saying we need to be recognised, but we're only providing for our community.

"It's really touching. A lot of people have been coming to the shop saying that without us they'd be out of this and that.

"It is very hard, but we keep going. It's nice to hear some good things, it means a lot."

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