SHOPMOBILITY users in Redditch say they have no problem with an increase in charges for the council-run service, claiming it’s ‘worth every penny’.
This is despite the controlling Conservative group slapping a 75 per cent increase on the daily charge of using mobility equipment around the town centre for local residents.
The price hike has taken the cost from £2 to £3.50 and for people from out of town, to £5.
Meanwhile the annual registration fee for Shopmobility users has gone up 50 per cent from £10 to £15.
We took to the streets of Redditch to gauge users’ views on the increases.
Shopmobility, located on the ground floor of Car Park 3, next to the Kingfisher Shopping Centre, is a vital service for many people in the town.
It allows them to hire out mobility scooters, manual wheelchairs and other mobility equipment.
Janette Finn, aged 63, who uses Shopmobility twice a week, said: “I don’t pay the annual charge I just pay the daily fee when I need to use the service.
“But I think all of the increases are reasonable and fair.
“Without the option to hire these mobility scooters, myself and others wouldn’t be able to get around the town centre.
“It’s an absolutely vital service.”
Christine Crossley, 66, who is unable to walk long distances due to a medical illness, said she would be prepared to pay the extra £1.50 daily charge.
“For me, I’m not going to miss that kind of money so I think it’s fine.
“It’s a wonderful service and I don’t think you can put a price on that.”
Other increase on the way include a 53.85 per cent price hike in Dial-A-Ride services, taking a one-way ticket to £4 (£3 concessionary) and the introduction of a new registration fee of £15.
