Row as service which provided scooters to disabled shoppers in Wolverhampton announces closure

The ShopMobility service, which operates out of Wolverhampton retail market, is being wound down over a three-month period, with the equipment being offered free of charge to customers. 

Surplus equipment will also be offered to military veterans through Staffordshire Regimental Association, with any remaining being donated to the council's adult social care service.

"Existing customers are also reassured that if they prefer not to receive the equipment, there are a number of other premises offering mobility aids for hire within the city centre," a statement from the council said.

Cabinet member for resident services, Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, said the service had not been well-used for many years, and was not viable given continued pressures on council budgets.

"The decision to close is not one the council has taken lightly," he said. "But taking it means we can donate vital equipment to our residents."

However, the decision has been criticised by the council's opposition Conservative group, which is asking the ruling Labour group to reconsider.

Councillor Sohail Khan said it would leave elderly and disabled residents cut off from their community and unable to access the city’s shops and services. 

He said council leader Councillor Stephen Simkins had dismissed the group's concerns at a recent council meeting, saying closure was only a proposal.

"Well, now it’s happened," he said. "The service has been axed, and it’s our elderly and disabled residents who will suffer.

“This closure sends a clear message that this Labour-run council is not listening to the people who need this service most. ShopMobility has been a lifeline for many residents, enabling them to maintain their independence, social lives, and access to local businesses. Its closure will leave people isolated, housebound, and unable to fully participate in city life.”

However Councillor Gakhal said the only alternative would have been to significantly increase the charges for the service, which was likely to reduce still further the number of people who used it.

The council said it carried out a consultation prior to the decision, and concluded that by giving the equipment to users, they would still have the necessary aids to access the city centre.

It said that at the moment the service only operated between 9.30am and 2.30pm, and customers could only use the equipment within the confines of the ring road.

It said that donating the equipment meant they would have more choice about when they visited the city,, and which locations they could visit.

"If people would rather not receive the ShopMobility equipment, they can use other private rental providers in the city," it added.