Councillors are reviewing the future of the Shopmobility service in Lichfield.
A number of options – including closure – are being considered as the service’s current site near the multi-storey car park will be demolished to make way for the Friarsgate development.
Although a new unit is being proposed for Shopmobility as part of the redevelopment, Lichfield District Council is planning to review the future of the facility beforehand.
In a report, Cllr Helen Fisher, Cabinet member for tourism, said that there were currently 70 members of the service.
“Although membership has declined over the past three years, usage has remained relatively consistent,” she said.
“A charging scheme was approved and introduced in April 2014. Fees comprise an annual membership of £5 and a charge of £1 per visit.
“The introduction of the charges could explain the drop in members but we also need to be mindful that scooters have become increasingly affordable in recent years and privately owned vehicles are a common sight on the city streets.
“The Shopmobility service has been given notice that it will need to vacate its unit by January 2017. It is therefore timely to consider whether it remains relevant and represents value for money – and whether the council should continue to be the operator.”
Shopmobility currently employs one in-house attendant working 30 hours a week, with casual and agency staff used as required.
The council has budgeted £37,030 to run the service in 2016/17.
But a number of options are being considered:
- Continue to operate using a temporary location while Friarsgate is built.
- Close the Shopmobility service permanently.
- Reduce the running cost by cutting the number of days it opens or by increasing the charges.
- Seek an alternative organisation to run Shopmobility.
- Temporarily suspend Shopmobility while Friarsgate is built.
Councillors will discuss the options at a meeting of the leisure, parks and waste management overview and scrutiny committee on Monday (June 20).
