Scooting to a more accessible future

Cranbrook Town Council has taken a significant step towards improving accessibility and mobility for its residents and visitors with the launch of its first ever mobility scooter.

The new initiative aims to increase accessibility across the town, including the award-winning Cranbrook Country Park.

Cranbrook Town Council develops and manages the scheme, which is co-funded through a partnership with Devon County Council, LiveWest, and Move More Cranbrook.

Residents and guests gathered to celebrate the official launch event, which took place on Saturday, September 28, and showcased the mobility scooter in action with a demonstration ride to the country park.

Cranbrook Town Councillors and representatives from the project's sponsors joined in officiating the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Councillor Ray Bloxham of Cranbrook Town Council said: "Cranbrook has rapidly developed over the past ten years. With amenities now spreading throughout the town and the award-winning 35-hectare Cranbrook Country Park, we want residents and visitors to have greater ease travelling across the area. We are pleased that the mobility scooter scheme enhances accessibility in Cranbrook. We extend our sincere thanks to Devon County Council, LiveWest, and Move More Cranbrook for their support in funding this project."

The housing association, LiveWest, donated £1000 to the local cause from its Community Investment Fund.

LiveWest’s Community Connector for the area, Lesley Browne, said: “LiveWest are delighted to provide funds to help support the purchase of a mobility scooter for Cranbrook’s residents and help increase the accessibility of the area. Especially as not all residents can explore these spaces due to health and mobility difficulties and the importance of everyone’s wellbeing, it’s great that we have joined together to provide a free service for the community. We can’t wait to see the scooter in action.”

Matt Rowett from Move More Cranbrook added: “Move More Cranbrook is delighted to have contributed towards the mobility scooter. It perfectly fits with our mission of helping people of all abilities and all generations in Cranbrook to move more and to get out and about in our country park. We can’t wait to see families and groups enjoying this exciting new facility.”

The mobility scooter will be available for free hire in two-hour sessions on weekdays, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. 

Bookings can be made via the Cranbrook Town Council office at the Younghayes Centre or by emailing bookings@cranbrooktowncouncil.gov.uk.