A SERVICE which helps disabled people retain their independence has opened its doors in the heart of Ellesmere Port.

Dial West Cheshire was delighted to welcome Deputy Mayor of Ellesmere Port, Cllr Peter Rooney, to officially launch the Shopmobility service based in the Port Arcades Shopping Centre.

The event coincided with Purple Tuesday 2019; a national campaign focused on changing the customer experience for disabled people and the importance of making services accessible for all.

The local charity provides a range of services, including Shopmobility, which aims to enable disabled people and older people to live sustained, independent lives.

Following the closure of other charities, DICE Ltd and Vale Royal Disability Services, Dial West Cheshire now runs all four Shopmobility centres across Cheshire West in accordance with a contract from the council.

Over the past year Dial’s Shopmobility Service, which is part-funded by the council, handled over 4,300 bookings for mobility scooters and wheelchairs across the borough – helping disabled people to retain some independence and get out and about in their local community, as well as supporting the retail and visitor economies.

Building on the great work previously done by DICE Ltd, Dial’s Shopmobility Service in Ellesmere Port is open from Monday to Saturday and is run by Dial’s team of staff and volunteers.

Disabled people have described the service as "a lifeline".

Dial Shopmobility offers daily hire of mobility scooters, powered and manual wheelchairs to enable people with mobility difficulties to access shops and other facilities in Chester, Ellesmere Port, Northwich and Winsford.

Mobility scooters, wheelchairs and other independent living aids are also available for sale.

For more information on the services offered by Dial, visit www.dialwestcheshire.org.uk.