Mobility project to benefit town's disabled residents

Traders should also see a difference in the number of shoppers as people who cannot usually get out and about start to use the equipment.

Northallerton and Villages Community Forum had recognised there was a gap in provision in the town. Members obtained 8,000 in funding for the scheme from Hambleton Council and the Hambleton Strategic Partnership to launch the scheme.

Janet Seymour Kirk, who chairs Northallerton Shopmobility Steering Group, said: "It will provide help for anyone with mobility impairments whether temporary or permanent.

"It has taken some time to develop – but it demonstrates what can happen when the voluntary sector and district council work together for the benefit of the local community.

"I am now looking forward to seeing the scooters and chairs being used to aid people's independence in Northallerton." They will be able to hire the equipment from Abbey Health's Central Arcade from next Tuesday. The premises will be open Monday to Saturday from 9am until 4.30pm, with powered scooters available for 5 per day and manual wheelchairs for 3 per day.

The managing director of Abbey Health, Ken Hillerby, said: "We recognised a shopmobility scheme would bring real benefits to Northallerton both to traders and to visitors with mobility difficulties We're delighted to be hosts."

The scheme has been developed by the Northallerton and Villages Community Forum in partnership with Abbey Health, Age Concern and the Northallerton and District Voluntary Services Association.

For details contact Abbey Health on 01609 781333, e-mail [email protected].