CREWE'S Shopmobility scheme is to reopen on August 3 with safety measures in place.

The service, based on Asda's car park, provides wheelchairs and scooters to people with limited mobility to shop and visit leisure facilities in town on a pre-booked basis.

It has been suspended since lockdown was imposed on March 23, but operators Cheshire East Council says it will start up again on Monday, August 3.

The authority is also restarting its FlexiLink bus scheme at the same time.

There will be new safety measures and restrictions in place to ensure the risks of spreading Covid-19 are minimised. A new booking process for Shopmobility will be in place and members of the scheme will not be allowed to enter the Crewe Portakabin office, while all scooters will be cleaned before and after each use.

Members, many of whom are in high-risk health categories had stopped using the scheme before it was paused. They will receive letters explaining the changes and how to use the service safely before they book again.

Cllr Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: "This is really good news and I am delighted the council can now look to restart these important services for our older and more vulnerable residents.

"The suspension of the Shopmobility service in Crewe was a necessary action to protect staff and service users. That phase has now passed and changed government guidelines now allow more scope for accessibility providers to gradually reintroduce services.

"This means we can begin to reduce the loss of independence for some elderly/vulnerable residents with only those classed as extremely vulnerable expected to remain 'shielding' and advised not to travel, when not essential."

Wearing face coverings, unless medically exempt, will be mandatory for those use both schemes.

Shopmobility bookings can be made by calling 01270 580031 or email [email protected]

The service runs Mondays to Saturdays (except Tuesdays) between 10am and 4pm and there is no charge for the use of the scooters.

FlexiLink provides travel for residents in Cheshire East who have either a disability, are aged 80 or over, or who live beyond the reach of any other public transport. Bookings can be made on 0300 123 5110 between 9.30am and 12.30pm, Monday to Friday.