Plans have now been announced to secure the future of Chester's Shopmobility scooter hire.

The service will be brought in-house, to be delivered by Vivo Care Choices: the council's learning disability service.  

The new Shopmobility scooter hire service will operate from 1 April 2025.

For the immediate future, it will remain based in The Kaleyards car park in Chester.

Cheshire West and Chester Council currently runs a number of cafes, which provide day opportunities and work experience for people with learning disabilities.

Shopmobility will now be brought into that group of services.  

Cllr Sheila Little, lead member for Adult Social Care, has said: "we are committed to maintaining a Shopmobility scooter hire service in Chester, and I am pleased with the new delivery model we are putting in place. 

"This is a really positive outcome.

"It expands our work opportunity businesses for people with a learning disability, securing mobility scooter hire provision within the city and providing continued employment opportunities for the two existing members of staff from DIAL West Cheshire."

Justine Williams, chief officer of DIAL West Cheshire, said: "we are really pleased the Council has found a positive way to maintain a Shopmobility scooter hire service in Chester.

"We will support the Council and our two employees and volunteers to ensure the new council run service is operational by the 1 April 2025." 

The council has expressed thanks to the current provider, DIAL West Cheshire, for their support and service over the years and continuing to work with them during this time.