THE West Somerset Talking Newspaper is in urgent need of new volunteers to secure its future. By arrangement with the Free Press, the local charity has provided regular news broadcasts to blind and partially sighted people since 1980.

It has 40 blind and partially sighted clients who would normally receive fortnightly local news broadcasts.

But it has been unable to operate since March due to stringent Covid-19 restrictions, particularly because tapes and discs cannot be sent to vulnerable people.

Now its future looks uncertain unless a group of new people come forward before the end of the year to take over the administration of the non-profit-making charity.

Chairman Roger Hurst said the current group of unpaid trustees will retire in 2021 when the lease for the rented studio in Williton expires.

He said: “This group, myself included, have administered the newspaper for many years and we feel the time has come to retire and seek a new committed team to either take on the existing operation or to form a completely new local Talking Newspaper.

“With the continued uncertainty of this dreadful pandemic it has given us the opportunity to assess the situation and we feel now is the time to seek out a group of six or more persons with fresh ideas and fundraising initiatives to take over the helm if the newspaper is to survive.

“It currently costs approximately £3,000 a year to run the charity, which includes studio hire and equipment purchases, and any new group would need to bear this in mind before considering taking on the challenge.

“The bottom line is, however, that unless a new team of trustees is found before the end of this year we shall regrettably look to close the newspaper in 2021.”

Mr Hurst added: “While the time has come for me to also stand down from a commitment I have enjoyed, I would, of course, be more than happy to give advice on finance, equipment etc to any persons who feel they would like to consider taking on this challenging but worthwhile cause whether it be by way of taking over the existing charity or by starting a completely new Talking Newspaper in the area.”