Do you remember being taken to the Big Blue Bus to play as a child? Do you take your own children there now? Concerned parents are calling upon local businesses, sponsors and community groups who might be able to help save the area’s much-loved Big Blue Bus, which may be taken off the road before the end of the year, due to funding shortages.

The bus has had a tough year, and readers may recall that The Journal made an appeal at the beginning of March for locals to help the project, which allows children to play in a safe space and gives parents a local support network, after diesel was syphoned from the vehicle by thieves – whilst it was parked up to undergo maintenance in a local garage. The Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions came up trumps after seeing the article, and donated £100 to replace the loss.

However, funding challenges are proving too much, and a local parent has been in touch to express her fears for the service. Debbie Noel said: “I am a mum of four, and have been taking my children to the Blue Community Bus for the last ten years. Due to a lack of funding, it is not looking hopeful that the Blue Bus will be able to continue running from November 2018.

“The Community Bus is in desperate need of local businesses or companies to help support their pre-school sessions in the local area. They need funding to help with the running cost of the Bus.

“They offer a unique service for children, aged 0–4 years, and each week they provide different toys and activities on the blue double decker bus.

“The bus goes to six different locations that are socially or geographically deprived areas; Haydon, Peasedown St John, Timsbury, Paulton, Orchard Vale and Twerton. Parents do not have to pay a set amount for the playgroup so that it is affordable to all, and it is great that it is a mobile playgroup, as some families that do not have transport are still able to go.

“My children and I have loved the playschemes and playgroups on the bus – it encourages play, social skills and friendship in a very friendly and fun environment.”

To find out more about the Blue Community Bus, please visit the website. www.thecommunitybus.org.uk

If you have any ideas or are a business able to help with a donation or sponsorship, please call Emma Hazelton on: 07971 225724 or Anna-Marie Perry: 01761 435966.