HARLOW Council bosses have met with the Shopmobilty as the service that helps hundreds of Harlow residents is set to close.

The meeting between officers and Shopmobility took place on Tuesday morning.

Councillor John Strachan, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, said: “We are really sorry that Friday’s meeting was cancelled at short notice. It was rescheduled on Friday and took place this morning. This meeting was about looking at ways we can help support the charity. The discussions focussed on the need to develop both the charity and services to become financially viable for the future and to help with finding new premises. We are committed to supporting Shopmobility and this help is being offered to the charity on an ongoing basis.

“We have been working to find an alternative building during redevelopment of Market House and the surrounding area. The plans for the redevelopment of this site by the Market House owners include new purpose built accommodation for Shopmobility. However, we are also working to find an alternative building, which would be closer to the main shopping area and more accessible for their customers. Harlow Council does not own many buildings in the town centre, so finding an alternative and something which can be used on a temporary basis is proving to be a challenge. Therefore we are also working with other property owners in the town centre to find a building which would be suitable and affordable for the charity. We give the charity a partnership grant every year and we do not want the service to cease as it provides a valuable service to residents.”