A WREXHAM business is helping to improve access to the city centre via a raft of new scooters, disability pushchairs and improved opening times thanks to vital funding.

Last week, the Mayor, Cllr Andy Williams joined Catriona Learmont, regional officer for Wrexham of the National Lottery Community Fund, and Alison Roberts, representing the Tesco Community Grant, to launch this new chapter in Shopmobility Wrexham’s life.

The firm has gained a total of 12 new mobility scooters to cater for a wider variety of needs.

These will help people access the city centre directly from the bus station, opening up Wrexham to more people.

The Duchess of Westminster Fund has supplied funding for four road scooters, and three boot scooters, and the National Lottery Community Fund has sponsored four of its road scooters.

Shopmobility Wrexham says they are also grateful to the Tesco Community Fund for funding a boot scooter, which can be broken down into pieces and will fit into a car boot.

These scooters are available for hire for extended periods, perhaps to cover an injury or even for a holiday.

Shopmoblity Wrexham has also worked hard to secure further funding to ensure that they are now open five days a week, Monday to Friday (10am to 4pm). 

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Shopmobilty Wrexham is currently being managed, funded and supported by AVOW, Wrexham’s County Voluntary Council.

During his recent visit, Mayor Williams spent time talking to people who were using the Warm Space (available while Shopmobility Wrexham is open), as well as talking to funders about the importance of Shopmobility to the City of Wrexham.

Here, he heard how life-changing the service was, enabling people who, without it, would be unable to access the city centre.

Shopmobility has enabled people to visit the city not just to shop, but to socialise with friends, to visit events and so much more.

The Mayor also got to see the 4 new Excel Elise disability pushchairs, designed to help older children and teens who struggle with mobility, sensory needs and other difficulties in accessing the busy streets of Wrexham.

David McDonald, Accessibility Development Officer at AVOW said: “We want Wrexham to be accessible to everyone, whatever their age.”

"Shopmobility Wrexham is an incredibly important part of making an accessible Wrexham. It has already increased access to the city centre by providing mobility aids such as scooters and pushchairs, but in the New Year it wants to do more."