New Shopmobility service launched

A NEW mobile scheme to help shoppers with disabilities get around has been launched to replace a service which was scrapped three years ago.

The Rotherham Shopmobility service will run at Parkgate Shopping three days a week and in Rotherham town centre for two days a week until August under a 12-week pilot project.

Shoppers will be able to borrow scooters from a mobile unit located at Effingham Square on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.

The service will also be offered in Parkgate Shopping, on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays with the same operating hours. 

The mobile unit will be parked near the public facilities at the entrance of Parkgate Shopping centre.

Rotherham’s Local Strategic Partnership has funded the town centre arm of the pilot scheme, while the Parkgate service is being paid for by South Yorkshire Community Foundation through Comic Relief grants.

Rotherham Access Audit Groups hopes to keep it going after initial the 12-week period if funding can be found, with sponsorship by local shops and businesses being sought.

The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Rose McNeely, formally launched the scheme in Effingham Square in the town centre.