Devon County Council

From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, July 12, 2007

SHOPMOBILITY is giving residents and visitors in two East Devon towns the opportunity to try out its services.

The charitable organisation provides manual and powered wheelchairs and scooters for single day hire to people with limited mobility, allowing them to visit shops and town centre facilities. Exeter Shopmobility will be holding taster days to demonstrate its services over the coming weeks, starting at Harbour Lane Long Stay Car Park, Seaton, on Wednesday 18 July and Combe Lane Car Park, Axminster, on Thursday 19 July.

The events, from 9am to 4:30pm, are being run by TRIP Community Transport Association in partnership with Exeter Community Transport Association, Devon County Council and the Devon Rural Transport Partnership.

Councillor Sally Morgan, Devon County Council Executive Support Member for Social Affairs and Health, said: "Shopmobility isn't just for older people or those who are registered disabled - it's for anyone, young or old, no matter whether their disability is temporary or permanent. So as well as the regular scooter users making use of it, someone with a broken leg or who is heavily pregnant can also benefit.

"Shopmobility is an excellent idea that can make life easier for many people, and hopefully people in East Devon will take this opportunity to try the service."

The taster days will be launched in Seaton with a Shopmobility Challenge for local dignitaries. To help raise awareness of the scheme, they will be sent off around the town on a Shopmobility Scooter and asked to complete a question sheet in the style of a treasure hunt.

The Exeter Shopmobility mobile unit will be in Seaton on the following Wednesdays: 18^th July, 25^th July, 8^th August, 15^th August

The service will be in Axminster on the following Thursdays: 19^th July, 26^th July, 9^th August, 16^th August.

Members of the public will be able to come along and try out the Shopmobility scooters. One to one training will be provided and after completion, the scooter can be used to go shopping in the town. A small refundable deposit of £2.50 will be charged.

Shopmobility schemes currently operate in Exeter, Tiverton, Barnstaple, Newton Abbot, Paignton, Teignmouth and Honiton. Devon County Council is working with community groups to extend the initiative to other towns across Devon.

For more information about the taster days contact TRIP Community Transport Association on 01404 46529, or to book a scooter in advance please call Exeter Community Transport Association on 01392 494001.

Notes for Editors:

Media representatives are invited to the Shopmobility taster days which will be launched at Harbour Lane Long Stay Car Park, Seaton, at 11:00am on Wednesday 18 July.

Councillor Margaret Rogers 01297 680384.

Councillor Douglas Hull 01297 33522.