Whangarei residents struggling to walk around the central city can check a mobility scooter out of the library from today. Above, Vanassa McGoldrick tries out the scooter.
The scooter lending scheme, to be trialled for two months, is a project of the Whangarei District Council's disability sector reference group.
The scheme will
enable people who have difficulty walking to book a scooter for two hours at a time, as long as it isn't taken more than 600 metres from the Cameron St Mall. A mere $5 deposit, to be refunded on return of the scooter, will be required. A cellphone will be provided, in case problems arise during the ride, as well as a map of the CBD.
The scooter, donated by Buchannan's Home Health Care and Mobility, will be looked after by the library team, who also provide a walking frame and wheelchair for use within the library.
The disability sector reference group has already initiated a disabled parking work permit scheme and a crackdown on able-bodied drivers who hog disabled parking spaces. ``This is a unique project that only goes to show how thinking outside the square and working with people from different organisations can create some really good solutions,'' Cr Ann Shaw said.
