The loss of Shrewsbury’s only volunteer bureau could mean fewer criminal records checks will be carried out on prospective volunteers in the future, charity officials have warned.

Despite trying for more than a year to secure funding, Voluntary Action Shrewsbury will close its doors on May 29.

The news comes amid more gloom for the county’s voluntary sector as it was announced that South Shropshire Voluntary Action is to voluntarily wind up.

Mike Purslow, chief officer of Voluntary Action Shrewsbury, said the impact of its closure could mean that prospective volunteers with criminal records could end up slipping through the net in the future.

Last year, the bureau contributed up to £250,000 worth of labour to Shrewsbury with more than 150 volunteers contacting VAS to find placements.

Strain

Other services operated by VAS which will be lost include the mandatory Criminal Record Bureau checks. The bureau is a registered umbrella body for these checks, processing about 200 checks a year at a much reduced rate for voluntary and charitable organisations.

Mr Purslow said: “Our closing will put a further strain on smaller organisations, not only in finding volunteers, but also from the possibility of having to pay more for their CRB checks. It is a very sad day for Shrewsbury to be losing another service.”

A spokeswoman for charity Shropshire Mind said it would be a huge loss. She said: “Our organisation will, as will many others, suffer without VAS.

“Not only will we have to recruit volunteers, but we may now have to pay more for the mandatory CRB checks.

“The bureau’s monthly newsletter together with their website gave us news and funding information as well as updates on training and legalities. All this is lost now, and there is no alternative being offered.”

Sharon Sinclair, the bureau’s chairman, hit out at Shropshire Council for failing to provide enough support.

She said: “It is ironic that at a time when central government is enthusiastically promoting volunteering, particularly for those currently seeking employment, no one sees fit, including Shropshire Council, to fund this lifeline service.

“I’d like to thank the staff, members of the board, organisations and volunteers for their time and support over the 36 years the bureau has been operating. Their commitment to VAS has been astounding.”

Celia Bahrami, director of the Shropshire Partnership, said it would do all it could to support groups that were struggling.

She said: “Shropshire’s volunteers provide much-valued services to individuals and are an important part of our communities.

“The council and the Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly will be working closely together to find a way forward.”