From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, August 03, 2007

PEOPLE in the South Hams are being asked for their support to establish a Shopmobility scheme in their local town.

Proposals for a mobile unit to serve Totnes, Ivybridge, Dartmouth and Kingsbridge one day a week had been considered, but the Steering Group set up to develop the initiative, is no longer continuing with the plans after failing in a bid to the Big Lottery's Reaching Communities Fund.

It is now felt that a Shopmobility scheme would work best if it is based in a town, with a firm commitment from the local community. Funding of £25,000, which the Steering Group secured from South Hams District Council, is still available and members from the group can still offer help and advice to anyone interested in bringing Shopmobility's services to the area.

Councillor Sally Morgan, Devon County Council Executive Support Member for Social Affairs and Health, said: "Shopmobility is an excellent idea that can make life easier for many people, and would be a welcome addition for any community. 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. Someone with a broken leg or who is heavily pregnant can benefit as much as regular scooter users."

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "We have already seen Shopmobility schemes work successfully in other areas. Hopefully people in the South Hams will find a way of developing the service in a town in their area if there is the will to support it. Having tried their services myself at a recent launch in Seaton I can vouch for the difference it could make to people with mobility problems and how easy it is to use the scooters."

Shopmobility schemes, which are charitable organisations, provide manual and powered wheelchairs and scooters for single day hire to people with limited mobility to visit shops and town centre facilities.

Councillor Hilary Bastone, South Hams District Council Porfolio Holder for Community Affairs, said: "Shopmobility is a brilliant scheme and works well in towns throughout Devon. It is a great shame that the funding for the mobile unit in the South Hams has not been forthcoming.

"However, there is still a window of opportunity. I support the call to the towns of the South Hams to make a commitment to the scheme and to help to make it happen. It really would be worth the effort."

Shopmobility services 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 further information, please speak to Amanda Denham at the Devon Rural Transport Partnership on 01392 382697.

Notes of Editors:

Councillor Margaret Rogers 01297 680384.

Councillor Sally Morgan 01626 830257.