Archived press release

Date Published: 30/07/07

Aylesbury’s Shopmobility scheme has proved to be a leader in customer care after winning a national award for its excellent service. The Shopmobility team saw off competition from more than 200 other services across the country to be presen...

Aylesbury’s Shopmobility scheme has proved to be a leader in customer care after winning a national award for its excellent service.

The Shopmobility team saw off competition from more than 200 other services across the country to be presented with the prestigious Tom Hillier award.

The annual award was set up in memory of the founder of the National Federation of Shopmobility UK, Tom Hillier, and is given to those services which go over and above the high standards which the Federation sets.

Shopmobility sites can only be proposed for this award by their users and each year the Federation receives hundreds of nominations.

Aylesbury Shopmobility is a scheme that allows anyone with a mobility problem, whether temporary or permanent, to get out and about in the town centre. The award-winning service, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, provides free loan of manual and powered wheelchairs, scooters, walking aides and wet weather coveralls for both residents and visitors to the town.

Aylesbury Vale District Council provides funding for the service and additional money is received through fundraising events and donations. The council is also funding a new part-time Shopmobility scheme in Buckingham town centre, which is due to open next month. 

Councillor Pam Pearce, Cabinet Member for Community Matters at AVDC, said: “We are delighted that the Aylesbury Shopmobility team has won this prestigious award. Shopmobility provides an excellent service to its many members, enabling them to access and enjoy town centre facilities. I’m sure that the team can continue to maintain the high standards of customer care that this award has demonstrated.”

Mrs Elizabeth Stevens, one of the customers who nominated Aylesbury Shopmobility for the award, is full of praise for the service. “The staff and volunteers at Aylesbury Shopmobility are always so friendly and helpful, keeping me informed of events taking place in the town. The team are a credit to the Shopmobility movement and even on the greyest of days I have never left the premises without a smile on my face,” she said.

Aylesbury Shopmobility is located on the ground floor of the Civic Centre car park in Exchange Street. It operates from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.
 
For more information visit the council’s website at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk or call 01296 336725.