A COUNCILLOR has raised concerns over plans to relocate the town’s Shopmobility service, fearing the new premises will not offer the same amount of equipment for users.

Swindon Shopmobility, currently housed at the Wyvern multi-storey car park, is set to move to the newly-refurbished Sanford House.

But Coun Derique Montaut has raised concerns over the plans, saying he fears the size and layout of the new building means it will be unable to hold the same stock and equipment as the current premises.

He also said he understood the new premises will not have an area for users to wait for transport home, no reception area for taking bookings and inquiries and no toilet facilities or a maintenance working area.

Meanwhile, Swindon Council says no one has raised any concerns over the premises, and urged Coun Montaut to discuss the issue with them.

Coun Montaut said: “While I have no problem with the council’s plan to move Shopmobility, it is important that the service is not reduced because of this move.

“I’ve learnt that this move as it currently is proposed will lead to significantly reduced space for Shopmobility to be run out of, which will mean less room for Shopmobility equipment, no waiting area for users to wait for transport home, no reception area for taking bookings and no toilet facilities.

“The council, rightly, has committed to support elderly and disabled people in becoming more independent.

“The Shopmobility service is crucial in being able to deliver this aim, so we should not be reducing this service and that is why we need to rethink how this proposed move works and ensure Shopmobility has the proper space it needs to support disabled people.”

Meanwhile, Coun Dale Heenan, the cabinet member for highways, strategic planning, sustainability and transport, said: “Coun Montaut has not raised this with me, as the cabinet member responsible for Shopmobility, at any time.

“Instead, he’s chosen to express his views in a press release, rather than sit around a table to discuss his concerns.

“Swindon Borough Council has been entirely open and transparent about the decision, and I’m not aware that anyone else has raised similar concerns."