SHOPMOBILITY SCHEMES - BENEFITING DISABLED TRAVELLERS AND CONTRIBUTING TO TOWN CENTRE PROSPERITY?

"Shopmobility" is a service, often funded by local authorities and/or charities, that helps disabled people gain access to town centre shops and facilities. There are around 100 such schemes operating in Britain, varying in size and the services they provide. Most provide wheelchairs and volunteer escorts, some have electric scooters, all but a few are linked to parking areas or public transport. This paper describes research amongst 196 users at 10 shopmobility schemes, and local authority officers responsible for developing schemes in these towns. The study has established details of usage and advantages to users and examined what benefits schemes bring to towns and retailers. Disabled users and decision makers responsible for implementing shopmobility schemes are enthusiastic about the benefits to the town's economy and status. Before the scheme was set up, a quarter of users questioned either did not go shopping at all or had to rely on someone taking them, but now, Shopmobility has provided freedom and independence and contributed to town centre prosperity.