A SERVICE which provides a vital lifeline for disabled shoppers has been forced to cut its operating hours due to funding cuts.

Hereford City Shopmobility Service is managed by Services for Independent Living (SIL) which has had to rely heavily on grant funding to keep the service running.

However, this year SIL has been unsuccessful in securing enough funds to maintain the service in its current format and changes are being made to the service as a result.

Euan McPherson, SIL’s Chief Executive, said: “Rather than disband the service altogether a decision has been made by SIL’s trustees to reduce the days the service is open.

"Therefore, with effect from April 1 the service will be open each Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. The times of opening remain unchanged.

“Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays have been chosen as records show that the largest number of scooters and mobility aids are borrowed through Hereford City’s Shopmobility on these days. SIL hopes that by choosing these days to open it will continue to best meet the needs of the service users.”

The reduced opening will run as a trial for six months to see if enough savings can be made to ensure the future viability of the service.

If Hereford City Shopmobility is still running at a loss after this time, SIL may have to take the decision to close the service completely.

The trustees say this is a decision they would not take lightly, but are encouraging people to help keep the service running by using it or recommending it to anyone they know who might enjoy the benefits of mobility scooters and other mobility aids.

If you would like to volunteer or would like to discuss sponsoring a scooter, contact Euan on 01568 616653 or by emailing euan.mcpherson@s4il.co.uk