A Cumbrian charity has switched its regular operation of taking people to the shops – and now brings shopping home for those who need it.
For more than 40 years Fellrunner Buses have been operated and driven by local volunteers for the benefit of the community. They serve many villages in Eden with regular services to shops in Penrith or Carlisle. Secretary Neil Hannah said the buses were normally a lifeline for those living in rural communities who were without their own transport.
Rather than stop completely when those regular services were temporarily halted by the coronavirus outbreak, the team at Fellrunner looked at how they could turn the situation round. It has switched its model on its head and is now providing a safe shopping delivery service for those who are self-isolating, or for other reasons cannot get to the shops.
The service has been in operation since late March and has already helped people living in the Penrith area, Lowther Valley, Langwathby and Culgaith.
The volunteers can also pick up prescriptions as well as buying shopping. They group journeys so as not to make multiple trips to supermarkets and follow social distancing guidelines.
The service can be contacted through Cumbria County Council’s Eden Hub, Eden Council or Penrith Town Council.
Neil said: “People who have used the service have been immensely grateful. They are very appreciative of the help they can get and in turn it’s a pleasure to help them.”
