From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, September 02, 2008

A DOUBLE celebration is being held to mark the merger of Newton Abbot and Teignbridge Community Transport with Shopmobility and the official opening of its newly extended centre in Newton Abbot on Wednesday 10 September.

The expansion of the property on Sherborne Road has enabled the groups to combine to provide transport and mobility services under one roof. Funding from Devon County Council's Local Transport Plan has assisted with improvements to the centre, enhancing access to the Shopmobility service and providing a safe route into the central shopping area.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "Devon County Council is pleased to have committed £45,000 to this extension to improve access to these vital services which give freedom and mobility to anyone who is limited in the way they get around. The merger of these two complementary charities is a natural step towards providing a secure future for the services they provide. The two groups have always worked co-operatively, and this uniting of services offers a more efficient arrangement for customers, staff and trustees alike."

Building and technical support for the project was provided by Teignbridge District Council.

Councillor David Corney-Walker, Teignbridge Executive spokesperson for Economic Development, said: "Shopmobility is an essential resource for the town centre and is used by both local and visiting shoppers. The new and improved facility offers greater access, enabling disabled and elderly people to better enjoy Newton Abbot's varied range of shopping experiences.

"Teignbridge Council has contributed significant time in designing the facility and managing the work. This well managed project has placed its focus on Shopmobility's customers, minimising disruption during the work and creating a bigger, better and easier to use facility."

Bill Brough, Chairman of the Trustees, added: "We are very grateful to Devon County Council for its support which has enabled us to improve our facilities, we also thank Teignbridge District Council for managing the project. Newton Abbot Community Transport Association is there for people of all ages who, through deprivation, disability or lack of public or private transport, are unable to access the shopping, services and leisure facilities which Newton Abbot has to offer. We are confident that our combined services of Community Transport, Ring Ride and Shopmobility will now provide our customers with a wider and improved service from one point of contact."

Notes for Editors:

Media representatives are invited to the launch at the centre in Sherborne Road, Newton Abbot, at 11am on Wednesday 10 September.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, 01297 680384.