Cranbook launches first mobility scooter with free hire to enhance accessibility

Cranbrook Town Council Councillors, Lesley Browne from LiveWest and Matt Rowett from Move More Cranbrook, celebrate the arrival of the mobility scooter in Cranbrook, Devon.

In a significant step toward improving accessibility and mobility for its residents and visitors, Cranbrook Town Council proudly announces the launch of Cranbrook’s first mobility scooter. This initiative aims to increase accessibility across the town, including the award-winning Cranbrook Country Park.

The mobility scooter scheme is developed and managed by Cranbrook Town Council and co-funded through a partnership between Cranbrook Town Council, Devon County Council, LiveWest[1] and Move More Cranbrook[2].

The official launch event took place on Saturday, 28 September 2024, and featured a demonstration ride to Cranbrook Country Park, showcasing the mobility scooter in action. Cranbrook Town Councillors, representatives from the project's sponsors — LiveWest, and Move More Cranbrook — joined in officiating the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Residents and guests gathered to celebrate this exciting new chapter for the town.

Cranbrook Town Council expressed its enthusiasm for this initiative. 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 traveling 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."

With the concept starting off at a Clyst Valley Regional Park meeting by LiveWest, its community connector brought all interested parties together to help bring the idea to life. Through the support of LiveWest’s Community Investment Fund, the housing association has donated £1000 to help support the local community with its new mobility scooter. 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. With the new scooter more residents can explore some of the best assets in Cranbrook like the country park and its stunning greenspaces. It will also help more residents visit the local shop or post a parcel. 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, providing an opportunity for people to explore Cranbrook Country Park and other local amenities. Cranbrook Country Park has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag and recognized by the Devon Wildlife Trust’s Treescape.

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