TEST Valley’s mayor Jan Lovell opened the new premises of Andover’s Shopmobility service.

The office move by local charity Test Valley Community Services (TVCS) from the Chantry Centre to its new Shopmobility premises in Andover Bus Station was celebrated on Thursday.

And a new service called Shopmo Shuttle was also launched at the event.

The new combined service provides individuals who have mobility issues with door-to-door transport and mobility equipment, making access to shopping or local town services possible.

Chris Daley, transport manager, said: “We are so pleased to introduce the Andover Shopmo Shuttle.

“Costing only £8.50 for the collect-and-return from home car journey, combined with the loan of mobility equipment when in town, we feel this is a useful and affordable option for people, especially those who might otherwise not be able to get out and about otherwise.”

The Community Transport project, initially being trialled as a pilot, offers Andover residents who cannot access public transport and who need mobility equipment an all-in-one service.

The combined price and more practical option should prove attractive to anyone experiencing mobility difficulties.

This scheme runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 3.30pm and booking is essential.

Bookings can be made up to a week in advance or by midday of the previous day.

The charity also offers this as a partial service for Shopmobility customers who may prefer to make their way into town by public transport, but who then find it difficult to carry their shopping home afterwards.

For more information about the service visit www.tvcs.org.uk or call 01264 362600.