Petition launched after proposal to axe 'lifeline' mobility scooter scheme for disabled shoppers
Distraught disabled users of Sandwell Council Shopmobility scheme have launched a petition begging councillors not to axe the service.
On Tuesday, councillors will vote on next year's budget which will includes a proposal to close down the West Bromwich-based scheme that allows disabled residents to use scooters to shop.
The "closure of Shopmobility" proposal will save £53,000 this year, and £106,000 for the next four years, but users of the scheme claim a price cannot be placed on the freedom the scooters give them.
Former Sandwell Conservative group leader, now a Reform Party general election candidate, Ray Nock, is leading the Save Shopmobility campaign.
Speaking outside the organisation's New Square base, Ray said: "More than 300 people have signed this petition to save Shopmobility. Now the budget has been published we can see in black and white Sandwell Council want to close this vital service for the most vulnerable people in the borough.
"And, in the scheme of things, it is chump change they will be saving compared to millions wasted elsewhere in the budget."
