Appeal to keep Shropshire community buses on the road

For North Salop Wheelers, based in Whixall, to be able to maintain its service it needs minimum funding of £5,000 per year.

For more than 13 years the group has been providing a variety of transport in north Shropshire on a not-for-profit basis.

It is run by volunteers and caters for anyone who cannot get access to regular transport, which can cover people experiencing rural isolation or disability.

The bus can pick people up from Market Drayton, Woore, Hinstock, Wem, Whitchurch and surrounding villages.

John Harrison, who runs the group, said it was now operating on a hand-to-mouth basis. It receives a basic grant from Shropshire Council to run two services a week, but this has not gone up for five years.

He said: "On behalf of our passengers we are extremely grateful to all who are helping.

"We are hoping to find a business to come forward and sponsor vehicles by having their business name or logo written on them.

"Currently we have a pot of money which is made up from donations and is keeping us going, but after June, the pot runs out."

Mr Harrison is approaching Whitchurch Town Council for funds and hopes parish councils will also chip in.

Rob Hewson, mayor of Whitchurch, said: "It costs about £90 a week to keep the service going. This covers the cost of keeping vehicles in good order. Fuel is covered by fares. The service is run by an amazing group of volunteers so all they need now is for businesses to support the service."

Mr Hewson and his wife Margaret have organised a fundraising meal on April 23 at the Anchor Inn, Whitchurch.

Tickets are £15 of which £5 will go to the Wheelers. To book call (01948) 667081. For more on Wheelers call (01948) 880037.