Leicestershire Shopmobility service for disabled shoppers to close

-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


A Leicestershire service for disabled shoppers is shutting down. Market Harborough Shopmobility is to close its doors for the final time on Tuesday, February 4.

Posting online, the service said that since it had been served notice by Leicestershire County Council (LCC) to vacate Roman Way Community Centre, it had been unable to find "suitable and affordable" alternative premises to move into. It said it had hoped that Harborough & Bowdens Charity's bid to buy the centre would enable it to remain there, but the sale has not gone ahead.

Previously, the service said LCC had written to all of the occupants of the building, which also included Home Farm Trust learning disability support services and I Care meals on wheels, last April to let them know that they needed to vacate the property by Thursday, October 31, although that date was extended.

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Market Harborough & the Bowdens Charity, whose remit includes giving grants to community organisations and preserving local heritage, had hoped to buy the centre and use it as a hub for numerous local groups and organisations, such as Shopmobility.

Sign depicting "Roman Way Community Centre, Harborough Community Opportunities" with white writing on a green background.  It has the Leicestershire County Council logo on it and at the bottom is the Shopmobility logo at the bottom with a white background. the sign is at the entrance to the community centre and is to the right of the picture.
Roman Way Community Centre -Credit:Google

However, It said in a statement last December that its "bid to buy the former community centre on Roman Way in Market Harborough was unsuccessful". It added: "It’s very disappointing news, especially for the scores of groups and voluntary organisations who told us they wanted to use the site as their base, for meetings and for various events."

Speaking in December, a Leicestershire County Council spokesperson said: “A preferred bidder has been provisionally selected for Roman Way Day Centre. However, the final position will only be confirmed after the period of moratorium ends on 6th February.”

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Service users have expressed on Shopmobility's social media channels shock and sadness about its closure. One said: "It is hard to believe that such a well used and much loved service can just be allowed to go to the wall like this.

"How on earth does a council get to the point where it serves notice for Shopmobility to vacate its premises - whilst knowing full well that any alternative location must be near the town centre with ease of access and storage?"

Another said: "Sad loss for the town, you're an essential service to a lot of people and I'm sure it's going to have a huge effect on the lives of the people that use you." A fellow user posted: "So sorry, you made life easier for all of us. Thank you for your hard work, you will be missed".

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