Harborough MP Neil O’Brien is appealing for help to secure the future of a charity based in Market Harborough. Shopmobility, based at Roman Way Community Centre, provides mobility aids to those with limited mobility to access shops and leisure facilities in Market Harborough. However, their future has been thrown into doubt as Leicestershire County Council, the Community Centre owner, has put the site up for sale.
Harborough Council recently designated the Centre as an Asset of Community Value, which could delay the sale by a few months. Despite this, Shopmobility has been told to vacate its premises by the end of October. Without finding anywhere to go, the charity has started selling its stock, including some scooters. Neil has launched a public appeal for help on behalf of the charity to secure its long-term future. The appeal comes after Neil met with the leader of Leicestershire County Council to discuss finding a home for the charity.
Neil said:
“Time is ticking to secure the future for this well-used service. As it currently stands, if Shopmobility doesn’t find a home by the end of October, the service will have to fold. This will leave hundreds of people who rely on the service without access to mobility aids to help them get around town. That is just unthinkable.
“Earlier this week, I met the County Council leader and told her how important the service is. She has promised to look at further options to secure the charity’s future. I am also appealing for help from the wider Harborough community. Is there anywhere else Shopmobility can be based locally? They would only need a small office, with space for a workshop around the town centre area.
“It would be a massive loss to the town if this service were to fold. Shopmobility has been based here for years and years, helping all those with mobility issues. If anyone has any ideas about how to secure the charity’s future, then please get in touch with me.”
