THE future of a mobility charity has been secured by a merger.

Shopmobility, which provides mobility scooters for disabled and frail people in Colchester town centre, faced a funding crisis when Colchester Council threatened to withdraw its funding. It has been given a new lease of life after merging with the Colchester Community Voluntary Service’s transport scheme.

Under the changes, Shopmobility, which has 125 users, will be open for five days a week, instead of its usual three.

David Evans, chairman of the CCVS, said: “To say we are ecstatic at the outcome is an understatement.

“It has been a real challenge to get to this point. Funding has been a huge issue.

“The council withdrew its £23,000 funding of Shopmobility, but gave it back to us in an increased allocation to the CCVS.”

Supporters claimed Shopmobility has suffered since it was moved from Colchester bus station to Manor Road.

Now, it has moved to St Runwald’s Street, behind Colchester town hall.

It will also be possible to borrow scooters from Lion Walk Shopping Centre if arrangements are made in advance.

Tracy Rudling, chief executive of the CCVS, said the change in the way the money was allocated gave the organisation the freedom to restructure the two transport projects.

It has also extended its transport service and runs 35,000 trips a year, 13,000 more trips than the previous year.

It has introduced weekly excursions to a range of venues, including pubs, garden centres, museums and shops.

A bus service has been set up, taking people between Greenstead and Colchester General Hospital.

Mrs Rudling said: “Merging the two projects has allowed us to provide a better service and to extend it throughout the week.”

Costs for the two services are £200,000, met through grants from Essex County Council, Colchester Council and the NHS, and through income generated from the services.

Mrs Rudling said: “We hope the services will be better used and generate more money so they become sustainable.”

l The CCVS is looking for a transport champion to promote its services.

Buses are run from Birch to Sainsbury’s, in Tollgate, each Wednesday, and from Eight Ash Green every Monday.

Another bus runs each weekday between Greenstead and Colchester General Hospital.

For more information about promoting the service, call 01206 216600.