Following The Cabinet 's decision on 4 September, Stratford-on-Avon District Council is in the final stages of completing the transfer of the ShopMobility Service to Active Mobility for an initial 3-year period.
ShopMobility is a discretionary service and so, has, been subject for a number of years to a year-on-year funding arrangement. The District Council values this service and understands its importance to residents and visitors alike.
For this reason, and over a number of years it has been looking for ways to ensure continuity and stability for the service.
Active Mobility are already based in Stratford-upon-Avon and are looking to enhance the existing service by offering a number of improvements, including online booking and payments, operating from two sites within the town, delivery to hotels and homes, and extended opening hours.
The transfer is supported by Elizabeth Dixon from Accessible Stratford who said: "I am absolutely delighted that Stratford-on-Avon District Council has supported the transfer of this valuable service to Active Mobility. Active Mobility are already knowledgeable about the business; as they have maintained the equipment for several years.
"Active Mobility will be expanding the service to ShopMobility users by making use of their premises in Wharf Road, Stratford, as well as the existing unit that is very familiar to everyone in the Bridgeway car park.
"When I initially read that the District Council may not continue to run the ShopMobility service, I was shocked and started contacting everyone I knew, and didn't know, to explain why Stratford-upon-Avon needed a ShopMobility service.
"Gradually it became apparent that the council was not intending to close ShopMobility but to look for a different business model and service provider. A senior council officer was tasked with providing an alternative ShopMobility service model and with my knowledge of the equipment and grants I'd obtained for new equipment together with knowledge of potential users I was able to help. Accessible Stratford, which I founded many years ago has a large understanding of local mobility providers and Active Mobility are the natural successors to taking on this essential service.
"We weren't sure how long it would take to complete the transfer; however it's progressing well and I'm looking forward to an enhanced service. ShopMobility has been financed for many years by the District Council but it's now time for a new service provider to step in and I know that anyone living in Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding areas or visiting for an hour, a day or longer will have their independence. This is access for all!"
