Last updated 21:04, Thursday, 04 September 2008

DISABLED shoppers cannot use Workington’s £35 million town centre because there is no provision for them, it has been claimed.

Wheelchairs can be hired from Age Concern in Finkle Street but the charity has got rid of its motorised mobility scooters.

Maryport woman Margie Dowell, 53, who has multiple sclerosis, uses sticks for short walks but for anything more she is reliant on a wheelchair or mobility scooter.

She said: “I used to go to Workington about twice or three times a week.

“When I was still able to drive, my car could almost find its own way there.

“My daughter takes me in now, probably about once a week, and I used to hire the scooters from Age Concern.

“It meant I had some independence. I could do my own thing and my daughter could go and do what she needed. Now she has to wheel me around everywhere. It is not fair on her or me.”

Town centre development manager Dave Fletcher said he has been pushing for Shopmobility services for at least 18 months and originally wanted the service to be part of the new multi-storey car park.

Allerdale Disability Association chairwoman Stella Howath said her charity was negotiating with Allerdale council to try to establish services in the car park.

“We have been working on it for several months. It is something that is necessary and something we are getting calls about all the time,” she said.

She said the town centre was trying to entice customers from all over the district and the lack of mobility service would not help.

“We are suggesting that we at least try to get one running on a trial basis. Then it will be a case of use it or lose it.”

Age Concern’s chief executive, Mary Bradley, said the Finkle Street branch had sold off its mobility scooters because there had been little demand.

“We had a core group of about six to eight people. But buying the scooters, insuring them and adhering to all health and safety aspects made it too expensive.”

However, it is thought that if the service was provided from a car park, such as that in the Lanes in Carlisle, it would be more convenient and better used.

“It is right in the middle of the new town centre,” said Mrs Howarth.

Mrs Dowell has written to Workington MP Tony Cunningham who has undertaken to back any move to establish facilities in Workington.

Allerdale council confirmed that it is negotiating for space and an additional electricity supply within the car park to provide a Shopmobility scheme.

But the council has not been able to say how much longer the present situation would continue.

A spokesman said: “At this time it is not possible to provide a date for when the facility would be open, as this is dependent on the provision of the additional power supplies, but it is hoped that a facility will be available at some point in the future.”

In 2006, an Allerdale council report, led by Margaret Snaith, recommended a Shopmobility scheme but the council did not want to compete with the Age Concern scheme.

Last year, councillors discussed setting up a Shopmobility scheme and talks were taking place to take over the vacant Jay’s Cafe on Jane Street.