A CHARITY which helps people to get around town is set to stop operating next month.

Shopmobility provides a range of equipment including mobility scooters, wheelchairs, power chairs and crutches and has been operating in the town for 14 years.

Opened in 2001 by Tanni Grey Thompson, the service is based in the Hillstreet Centre and has helped more than 6,500 people, and facilitated more than 55,000 equipment hires since its launch.

However the lottery, grant and other external funding needed to meet Shopmobility’s annual running costs of around £150,000 are no longer available, resulting in the likely closure of the service in its current form at the end of March.

Existing staff – one full-time and three part-time – were informed of the decision last month.

A spokeswoman for the charity, said: "It is with sadness that the trustees have no option but to close the charity by the end of the financial year.

"This is due to a number of factors including the lack of funding, a decrease in usage, and an increase in other organisations able to provide similar services.

"On this last point the charity has managed to secure alternative providers for all the services it currently provides.

"As the services will be delivered by a number of organisations, we are unable to honour any outstanding yearly membership fees beyond the end of March. We will therefore refund any current membership on a pro rata basis. We ask that you visit the unit to receive this payment."

As the service winds down, the charity has secured a variety of alternative providers to fill the void created by its demise, including daily hire from Middlesbrough Environment City Cycle Centre based in the bus station; activation fobs from Middlesbrough Council Customer Service, in Middlesbrough House; as well as a selection of long-term hire companies.