A SERVICE which provides a vital lifeline for disabled shoppers has had a reprieve thanks to the generosity of a local trust.

Hereford City Shopmobility, which is managed by charity Services for Independent Living (SIL), provides mobility scooters and wheelchairs to people needing help to get about the city.

It was facing closure due to an application to Hereford City Council for grant funding not being supported.

In April, SIL reduced opening hours from six days a week to three – Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays in a bid to cost running costs.

However, this had failed to bring the service into the black and a decision was due to be taken on whether to end the service with effect from the September 1.

However, a last minute application for funding from a local charitable trust came up trumps and this has secured the service until the end of March 2018.

Euan McPherson, SIL’s chief Executive said: "Hereford City Shopmobility is a vital link to the community for many disabled people and it is a real concern that the current economic climate means we are finding it harder and harder to secure the funds we need to maintain the service."

Unfortunately, this is only a reprieve and unless sponsorship or another grant funder can be found to support the service, SIL will be unlikely to continue providing Hereford City Shopmobility after March 31 2018.

If you can offer some funding to support this highly valued service, which rents mobility scooters to around 1,000 people each year, many of whom would not be able to access services and businesses in the city without it, contact SIL on 01568 616653 or email euan.mcpherson@s4il.co.uk

Alternatively, SIL would be interested in hearing from any organisation that might be willing to take over the future running of the service.