A new extension to the Barnstaple offices of the Shopmobility scheme will be opened next week.

The extension has cost £48,000 to build and was funded from Devon County Council's Devon Local Transport Plan capital allocation.

Shopmobility schemes around the UK provide a valuable service for those with mobility problems who want to visit town centres for shopping or appointments. Clients hire a manual or motorised wheelchair on a daily basis from Shopmobility so they can independently travel into the town centre.

The service started in Barnstaple in a converted shop in Queen Street in 1997. The success of this scheme prompted the building of purpose built premises at Barnstaple's new bus station in 1999, funded by Devon County Council's Capital Challenge scheme.

Now even further expansion is necessary to cater for new mobility equipment to keep up with the ever-increasing demand on the service.

Barnstaple Shopmobility is run by the Northern Devon Community Transport Association which co-ordinates a range of other services including Ring & Ride, the Bray Travel Club, Fare Car and transport for cancer care patients to Exeter.

Shopmobility makes a significant contribution to the local economy by retaining local spending and attracting visitors from elsewhere.

Devon County Council chairman, Lt Col Anthony Drake, who is opening the extension, said: 'Shopmobility is for anyone, young or old, no matter whether their disability is temporary or permanent. So a regular scooter user can use it, or someone with a broken leg or who is heavily pregnant can also benefit.

'The increasing need to cater for those with a mobility difficulty was recognised when the original building was planned and with that in mind space was left for a future extension, although it was not expected that the need for expansion would arise so quickly. This is a tribute to the commitment of everyone involved - staff, volunteers and clients. Barnstaple is now recognised as one of the top towns in the UK for access to the disabled, which is a tribute to all those involved.'

North Devon District Council has provided the design and contract management service for the extension in partnership with the County Council and Community Transport Association. The main contractor for the work was the North Devon firm Leisurelines.

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