Shopmobility users to be charged for service

CUSTOMERS hiring mobility scooters to get around Bridgend town centre will be charged for the first time from April in a move to save the Shopmobility service.

The service, which is operated by Bridgend County Borough Council, provides powered scooters and wheelchairs to members of the public with limited mobility so they can shop and attend appointments in the town.

It had been threatened with closure due to budget cuts but following a public consultation, the council has now decided to maintain the service.

For the past 15 years, customers have been asked to pay a £2 deposit to hire the scooter – although many people actually donate the £2 to help support the service.

But from April, customers will be asked to pay a £5 annual registration fee and a daily hire charge of £3.

The opening hours of the service will also be slightly reduced – opening 45 minutes later, at 9.15am, and closing an hour earlier, at 4pm.

Cabinet member for communities Richard Young said: “We have talked and consulted extensively with customers and we have listened to what they said.

“The majority of people suggested that a £3 charge would be more appropriate compared to the proposed £5 and we thought that was reasonable in the circumstances.

“I think it is a modest increase. It’s sad we have to do it, but I think it’s a reasonable compromise to ensure the sustainability of the service in the future.

“Once we have implemented the changes, we will review the position.”

In recent years, the number of people using the service has declined with cheaper scooters coming on the market and equipment becoming more lightweight.

The council has secured a £20,000 grant from Welsh Government to fund a new fleet of scooters and to help contribute to this year’s running costs.

The Shopmobility service is used about 4,000 times year by people hiring scooters and wheelchairs.

It is located in the multistorey car park in Brackla Street.