news story

25th January 2008

Shopmobility Launched in Thornbury

Steve Webb MP cuts the ribbon to open Thornbury's new Shopmobility service

Local MP Steve Webb has officially launched a Shopmobility scheme to make it easier for people to get around the shops in Thornbury. 

The service will provide battery powered scooters and wheelchairs for shoppers with impaired mobility.

The opening was a poignant reminder of two local community stalwarts who championed the scheme, former Thornbury Access Group chairman Keith Holloway, who died four years ago, and district Community Action chairman Sue Gawler, who died last year.

Cutting the ribbon on the new Shopmobility van, Mr Webb said:

"It's sad that the two people who worked so hard for this are not here today. This is a tribute to the memory of both of them."

The service is run by South Gloucestershire Shopmobility and will operate every Thursday (10am-2.30pm) from the town's Rock Street car park, close to bus stops and disabled parking spaces, thanks to a purpose-built vehicle purchased with money from the Big Lottery Fund's Reaching Communities programme.

Shopmobility acting chairman Margaret Bracey said:

"The scheme has been a fantastic success in Yate, where it now has almost 400 users. We're sure it will be popular in Thornbury once people get to know about it and the better weather arrives."

Keith Holloway's widow, Thornbury councillor and former Mayor Shirley Holloway, said:

 "This was Keith's vision and he would be so proud to see the scheme finally starting in Thornbury. The van actually bears Keith's name on the front which is a lovely gesture to his memory."