A COMMUNITY bus service that serves Whitchurch and Wem is appealing for new members to join the team.

North Shropshire Wheelers (NSW) recently resumed their bus service on a limited basis after a Covid-19 enforced hiatus.

Founder of NSW, John Harrison, said he was glad for the service to resume.

"We are, at last, back in the business of moving people," said John. "The good news is things are beginning to come back and although it won't be back to normal for some time the country is on the road to recovery.

"There are lots of conditions that we will have to consider because even though Peter the driver is one the youngest among us we need to be mindful that this horrid virus is still about and our duty of care to Peter and his passengers is accentuated due to this situation.

"Hence, for now, we can only take six people per trip and everybody will need to wear face covering inside and pre-booking is essential.

But for John, while the service is back up and running in the short term, the service's long term future is not certain.

John founded NSW more than 15 years ago and many volunteers are no longer involved.

"Wheelers will need help if we are to continue operating into the future whatever becomes of the virus situation," added John.

"Our community bus continues to help people who are unable to access services during this crisis that affects us all, but it is nothing like the level at which we operated beforehand.

"Although we keep the vehicles in good order and a state of readiness we have had time to spare during which period we have assessed the future.

"Our service has always relied heavily on the contribution of volunteers and over the years people have come and gone, oft-times almost imperceptibly.

"We have seen so many good people go off to pastures new, retire or sadly, some of our friends have even passed away.

"Now the only original people remaining at the helm are myself, Jackie and Phoebe."

The reality of the situation has taken centre-stage in recent weeks, with John's wife Jackie suffering a stroke.

"I am sorry to break the news that Jackie, who was the 'voice on the phone' of Wheelers suffered a stroke during lock down and was rushed into hospital.

"Just when we thought things could not get any worse, this had to happen to poor Jackie.

"Practically this now leaves just the two originators of our project to look after the business of local transport.

"Neither of us are especially young, accordingly I don't think that anyone would disagree and the situation has now become untenable.

"While neither of us want to step down or even distance ourselves totally but we do need help quickly, or the village transport will not be able to continue certainly in the way people have been used to without that additional help."

To volunteer to help for the Wheelers, or to arrange transport, call John on 01948 880037.