Community rallies to get Melton’s Trumpton back on the road

It looked at one point as though the festive tour of roads and housing estates would have to be called off this year after the vehicle developed major engine trouble, including a blown head gasket.

But news of the mechanical problems spread fast on social media and parts were supplied by town business, Parkers, while staff at local garage, GRS, carried out the repairs to get Trumpton’s motor running again.

And the popular engine, which is manned by firefighters from Melton Fire Station, will be back out again tonight (Monday) giving a bit of Christmas joy to residents around the town.

Crew manager Scott Smith said: “The Trumpton committee would especially like to thank Parkers for supplying free of charge some of the parts and a massive thanks to GRS and staff for their help in repairing and getting Trumpton back out on the road, again without accepting a penny.

“Also members of the general public who came forward with various offers of help, especially in these unprecedented times.

“Trumpton began its tour four days late on Thursday night and will now be working hard to cover areas we haven’t already got out to.”

The original planned routes have now changed due to the delayed start - check the ‘Trumpton Melton’ Facebook page for the new dates and locations, starting at 6pm each weekday evening.

The crew is unable to collect donations this year due to the need for social distancing but you can still donate online at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/trumpton-meltonmowbray-1 where more than £1,600 has already been raised for local charities.