Shopmobility to return as free car parking offer extended

Bridgend County Borough Council has confirmed that plans are underway to relaunch the town centre’s Shopmobility service.

The service, which provides disabled shoppers with access to electric scooters, wheelchairs and more, had to temporarily shut down following the closure of the Brackla One multi-storey, which is located at Cheapside in the town centre.

The multi-storey was unable to reopen following the recent alert level four lockdown after council officers found evidence that sub-surface fatigue within the facility was causing pieces of concrete to fall from the upper floor ceilings.

While the upper levels of the car park, which was constructed in the 1970s, remain temporarily closed in the interests of public safety, officers have confirmed that the Shopmobility service is safe to resume.

Arrangements are currently being made for the service to relaunch, and full details will be announced soon.

Meanwhile, Bridgend County Borough Council has also confirmed that free parking at several council-maintained town centre car parks will be extended until the end of August.

The offer means that drivers can park for free for up to three hours at the Rhiw multi-storey car park in Bridgend town centre, and between noon and 3pm at the John Street car park in Porthcawl.

Free parking remains available at the Llynfi Road multi-storey in Maesteg and at the Penprysg Road car park in Pencoed.

Councillor Stuart Baldwin, Cabinet Member for Communities:

“It is great to see businesses reopening as pandemic restrictions continue to ease.

“The council is making every effort to support local traders, and the free car parking and relaunch of the Shopmobility service will help to attract shoppers and make visiting the town centre easier and more accessible.”

• Look out for more details soon on how Shopmobility will be relaunched in Bridgend town centre.