Uppingham Hopper passenger service will return as non-essential shops reopen on June 15

A community bus has been picking up shopping instead of passengers during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Uppingham Hopper team has put the vehicle to use by delivering groceries and medication to people in isolation.

Volunteers have carried out 150 deliveries since the start of lockdown but they now hope to relaunch the passenger service when non-essential shops reopen on June 15.

Volunteer David Ainslie said: “The hopper has been critical for some people who have been self-isolating during this time.

“With more shops reopening on June 15, we feel this would be an appropriate time to trial a return to a more normal service.

“We don’t know what level of demand there will be for the service, but feel it is most important to give as much support as possible both to our residents here in Uppingham and also to our High Street which badly needs to attract customers.”

With social distancing measures in place, the bus could hold six passengers at a time and will need regular cleaning.

Volunteer driver Janet Thompson has offered to make washable fabric face masks for the drivers, who will also wear gloves to protect themselves and the passengers.

The Hopper will also continue to deliver medicine and food during its circuits of the town.

David said: “We will monitor numbers and operations for the remainder of June whilst always following government and Community Transport Association guidelines.”

The Upingham Hopper co-ordinators must also find a way to fund the service, which costs £13,000 a year to run.

A lottery grant of £8,000 will cover this year’s insurance and running costs but another £5,000 is needed to make loan repayments to Rutland County Council which purchased the vehicle.

At this stage, David thinks it is unlikely the council will grant an extension on the loan repayments.

He said: “Donations from passengers usually raise enough money to cover the costs, but with no passengers for the last couple of months, we have had no donations.

“It’s going to be a challenge but we are anxious to get the service going again in a safe way.”

For more details about the service call 01572 495050.