Shopmobility service to reopen under new management
The Witney Shopmobility service will be relaunched under new management with extended opening hours and plans to extend its offering.
Operation of the free service which provides disability scooters and wheelchairs for shoppers, has now been taken on by the Witney Inclusive Care and Education Centre (ICE) after being closed since March last year due to the pandemic.
ICE Centre managing director Jill Bull, who is also a West Oxfordshire District councillor, said: “It makes sense for us to run it as we already provide services for people with disabilities and are often asked about lending out equipment.
“It will also provide valuable work experience for our young volunteers and it is ideally situated as we are right next door in Witney.”
Witney Shopmobility was previously only open four days a week but that is being extended to five days with the possibility of it being extended to include Saturdays.
Cllr Bull added: “It will take us a little while to build the service back up again while people regain confidence to come out shopping again but it would be good to build up the additional hours.
“We are also thinking of adding additional disability equipment for people to use depending on demand.”
Witney Shopmobility is based in Langdale Gate and will officially re-open on Monday 26 July.
Cllr Michele Mead, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “This has always been a fantastic service which residents are now starting to ask for again.
“The ICE Centre could not be better placed to take it on with plans already in place to expand opening times and I am sure it will be a real bonus for those who would otherwise struggle to get around the shops.”
For more information and to book a scooter or wheelchair, please call 01993 846240.