Shopmobilities in Cheshire East

Shopmobility is a scheme which lends manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs and powered scooters to members of the public with limited mobility to shop and to visit leisure and commercial facilities within a town or shopping centre.

Shopmobility may be used by any adult, whether their disability is temporary or permanent. It is available for those with injuries, long or short-term disabilities – anyone who needs help with mobility. Shopmobility is about the freedom to get around.

All schemes operate slightly differently; some provide Shopmobility as a free service while others make a charge. This is indicated by the symbols in each entry. Most schemes welcome any donations you wish to make.

Within Cheshire East, there are four Shopmobilities:

Macclesfield

Address: Churchill Way, Macclesfield, SK11 6AY.

Booking Line: 01625 613111

Email: shopmobility@dibservices.org.uk

Open Monday to Friday 9:30 – 4:00, alternate Saturdays 11:00 – 3:00

Membership is £25 per year. £1 per 2-hour session, plus £1 for every subsequent hour.

Visitors: £10 per day

Congleton

Address: Unit 5, Thomas Street (subject to change)

Booking Line:01260 273733

Email: shop-mobility@cdag.org.uk

Open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 10:00 – 3:30

£5 one off registration fee. No charge for use.

Crewe

Address: The Cabin, Asda Car Park, Crewe, CW1 2PT

Booking Line: 01270 580031

Open Monday and Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 – 4:00

No costs

Nantwich

Address: Nantwich Town Council, Nantwich Civic Hall and Market Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, CW5 5DG.

Booking Line: 01270 628633

Open Monday to Friday 9:00 – 6:30; Saturday pre-booked only.

Collection from Market Hall.

No charge.

Guidelines for using Mobility Scooters

Manoeuvres in the road – Always use the front and rear lights in the dark or when visibility is poor. The vehicle’s horn should not be used when the vehicle is stationary unless there is danger due to another moving vehicle. When the vehicle is moving, the horn should be used to warn other users that you are there.

Parking – All the normal parking restrictions should be observed. Your vehicle should not be unattended on footpaths. Remember to consider blind or partially sighted people. Watch for obstructions in the road ahead, such as drains, pot-holes and parked cars, especially opening doors or moving off suddenly.

Recommended Good Practice – There is a lot of concern about the safe use of mobility scooters; SUPA Training will help you address these concerns. You should never have a second person on the scooter with you; pedestrians have right of way; try to use dropped kerbs where possible; approach doors at a right angle and reduce speed; turn off equipment when stationary to prevent accidental acceleration; always use the belt (if applicable)

On The Road – Plan your journey carefully, using pavements when necessary. Class 3 vehicles should not be used if under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication. Drive with due care and attention, giving way to pedestrians who are crossing at junctions or pedestrian crossings. Keep a special look out for children crossing roads as they may lack the skills and experience to negotiate traffic safely. A Class 3 vehicle is not powerful or conspicuous, so you are in a similarly vulnerable situation to cyclists. Always use direction indicators.

Visibility – A good investment is a fluorescent tabard/jacket with reflector strips. You may need to put it on the back of the seat so you are more visible to drivers behind you. The leaflet “Be safe. Be seen” is available free from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Please consult the publication ‘A Highway Code for Mobility Scooter Users’ published by the DIB and other partners for more information on operating a mobility scooter. For a copy please contact DIB.

For further information on National Shopmobility Services please visit

www.shopmobility.org.uk