This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
A new Shopmobility scheme is to be officially launched in Newport on the Isle of Wight by former BBC newsreader Kenneth Kendall at noon tomorrow (Saturday) on the junction of South Street and Orchard Street.
The scheme, found in many towns across the UK, will loan manual and powered wheelchairs and powered scooters to people with disabilities or limited mobility so that they can access shops and community facilities.
The Isle of Wight Shopmobility scheme will be open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9am to 4pm. People can drop in or book vehicles in advance by telephone. A website is also under development which will enable people to reserve wheelchairs and scooters online.
Plenty of benefits
As well as providing access to shopping facilities, the scheme also brings freedom, independence and companionship to users while adding value to the local economy.
The scheme was brought to fruition by a project development committee comprising volunteers as well as representatives from the council and Rural Community Council. They worked with a range of organisations to obtain the funding and support required to develop the mobility scheme.
The Masons donate mobility scooter
The Isle of Wight Council made available the building and provided £15,000 to help kick-start the project. A mobility scooter has also been donated by The Masons.
Cllr Roger Mazillius, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “This scheme is going to make a real difference residents and visitors of all ages by making Newport much more accessible to those with limited mobility. The Isle of Wight Council is fully supportive of the scheme and is delighted to have played a part in making this scheme a reality.”
Alison Geddes, a Trustee of Isle of Wight Shopmobility which is a registered charity, said: “We are delighted that Kenneth Kendall, who uses a mobility scooter himself, is officially launching the Island’s first Shopmobility scheme. We know from schemes operating elsewhere in the country that it will have far reaching consequences within our community and we look forward to welcoming people to our base in Newport to access the equipment. The launch event will also give us the opportunity to formally thank local businesses for their support and our project manager, Jude Ashley-Walker, whose drive and enthusiasm has helped to push the project forward.”
