Shopmobility aims to grow Shopping in Abingdon for disabled people could be made easier if a pilot Shopmobility scheme gets off the ground -- and similar projects could open in Botley, Faringdon and Wantage.

People who need support getting around town would have free use of electric scooters or wheelchairs. Parking spaces would be reserved for users and there would be accessible drop-off points for taxis or buses.

It would cost about £15,000 to set up, with annual running costs of £20,000. The Vale of White Horse District Council is promoting the idea although it would seek financial support from the county council, Abingdon Town Council, the town's chamber of commerce and the National Lottery.

The idea has already won support from the Oxfordshire Council of Disabled People and Abingdon's chamber of commerce. The Vale is to commission further market research. Janet Mace, manager of OCDP, said: "There are successful Shopmobility schemes running in Oxford, Cowley, Witney, Bicester and Banbury, and I hope Abingdon and the other towns in the south of the county will get cracking.

"Not only are the schemes of immense value to disabled people whose independence is important, but they help boost local trade. It's estimated that disabled people spend 20 per cent more on a shopping trip because they shop less frequently."

A survey shows that there are up to 2,000 people who describe themselves as having mobility problems and who use Abingdon as a focus for their services. Chamber of commerce president Jill Carver said: "We welcome anything that makes Abingdon more accessible for shopping.

"By helping to make it easier for disabled people it will lift the local economy and make the town a more friendly place to visit."

Initially, the Abingdon scheme would operate two days a week with four electric scooters, four manual wheelchairs and one power chair. It would be run by paid and voluntary staff providing advice and help.

The Charter car park office is being earmarked as a suitable base because of its closeness to the town centre, parking facilities, taxis and toilets.

The district council's access officer Sarah Berrill said: "Shopmobility provides an additional service to disabled residents and visitors and a town's economy and image are improved."