Bridgend’s Shopmobility service to reopen

Bridgend town centre’s Shopmobility service is set to reopen on Monday, November 16.

A new fleet of mobility scooters was purchased in January after the service, which is run by Bridgend County Borough Council, received a £20,000 grant from the Welsh Government.

Since the outbreak of Covid-19 in March and during the subsequent restrictions, they haven’t been in use, but members of the scheme will be able to hire them from next week - just in time to start their Christmas shopping.

Users have to complete a membership form at the Shopmobility office, located in the multi-storey car park in Brackla Street. There is an annual membership cost of £5, which includes the first scooter hire free of charge, and each hire thereafter will be £3.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, only one person is allowed in the office at a time, unless a travel companion is present. Shopmobility staff will be unable to assist members on and off the scooter.

I’m delighted the Shopmobility scheme is reopening in Bridgend town centre this month, allowing residents to make use of the new fleet of scooters.

The service is not only for blue badge holders, it’s for anyone with mobility issues who needs help to get around town.

Communities cabinet member Richard Young

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

It had been threatened with closure due to budget cuts but following a public consultation, the council decided to maintain the service, with charges introduced this year to help protect it from future closure.

Customers are asked to phone ahead of their visit to prevent a need for waiting. You can call 01656 667992, which will have an answerphone machine in operation until the office is manned from November 16.

The toilets situated inside the Shopmobility office will be for staff use only until further notice