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Council sustains support for Shopmobility
Published 18.06.2008 08:54
Spelthorne Council is to provide £30K of grant funding for Staines Shopmobility.

Since its inception in1998, Shopmobility has played a vital part in helping those with disabilities to get into Staines for a full range of shopping and other activities. It provides a variety of mobility equipment and an escorted shopping service for those with visual impairments. However over the years it has been increasingly difficult to identify funding from sources other than the Council.

It is estimated, from surveys, that 98% of current users would be unable to visit the town centre independently were the service to cease.

Shopmobility originally asked the Council for £40K funding in December 2007. While entirely supporting the service that it provides, the Council has a balancing act to carry out when considering applications from a large number of needy organisations. As a consequence, the Council provisionally agreed the £40K but asked that Shopmobility should try and secure alternative funding streams.

Council staff approached Clerical Medical, leaseholders of the Elmsleigh Centre, who have provided £10K. A further £12K comes from Arlington Property Investors who own the Two Rivers/Tillys Lane development. They provide rent free accommodation and some sponsorship money.

Council Leader John Packman commented: “I am very happy to support Shopmobility and pleased that some alternative funding has been found. It is vital that Shopmobility continues to provide a service for residents, enabling them to feel free and independent to travel around Staines for shopping and other activities”.

For more information contact the communications team on 01784 444260/446297