New Shopmobility facility in Aylesbury

A £185,000 scheme to deliver a new Shopmobility facility for Aylesbury is underway.

Contractors moved onto site this week to prepare for the construction of a brand new purpose built unit in the Upper Hundreds multi-storey car park located off the High Street.

Aylesbury Vale District Council’s Shopmobility service provides manual and powered wheelchairs and scooters free of charge to help people with limited mobility to shop and use town centre facilities. It can be used by young or old no matter whether their disability is temporary or permanent.

The new premises will include a more user-friendly waiting room and there will be dedicated parking spaces for Shopmobility users. Pedestrian access will also be improved at the Britannia Walk entrance to Upper Hundreds car park and new female toilets will replace the current facilities.

It’s anticipated that the new Shopmobility facility will be opening in the summer. The service will continue to operate from its current premises in the Civic Centre car park until the new site is ready.

Due to the current works, the disabled bays in the Upper Hundreds car park have now been moved to the Civic Centre car park on the ground floor. However, Blue Badge holders may still park in the Upper Hundreds car park for free providing their parking card is validated by a parking officer.

Councillor Pam Pearce, Cabinet Member for Community Matters, said: “This is an exciting development which will ensure continued provision of mobility and enjoyment for residents and visitors to Aylesbury. Hopefully it will encourage more people with limited mobility to visit and use our town’s shops and facilities.”

To find out more about Shopmobility, call 01296 336725 or go to www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/shopmobility