TWO new mobility scooters are are available to help more people with reduced mobility explore Dinton Pastures Country Park.
The additions bring the park’s fleet to three, increasing availability for people who find it difficult to walk longer distances.
The service helps people enjoy the park independently or spend time outdoors with family, friends or their pet.
It is open to people with reduced mobility because of disability, age, a temporary injury or reduced confidence.
There is a one-off £25 fee to register, complete an induction and learn how to use the scooters safely.
After that, using a scooter is completely free and registered members can make a booking on any day of the week.
Cllr Beth Rowland, a mobility scooter user and borough councillor for South Lake ward in Woodley, and Cllr Mark Ashwell, Executive Member for Economic Development, Sport, Leisure and the Arts, recently visited Dinton Pastures to try the service.
Cllr Rowland said: “I’ve been a mobility scooter user for a number of years.
“Using this scooter was like a dream.
“It had a comfortable, padded seat, it was stable and the controls were easy to understand.
“I’m very grateful for the training beforehand and I now understand why it is needed.
“For me, it’s given me freedom.
“I can go all the way round Dinton in comfort, at a controllable speed, and stop and just be for five minutes if I want to, in the shade.
“People can get out and enjoy the peace, the birdsong, the rustle of the wind in the trees and other people laughing.
“You need peace and time for yourself, and you can do that here.”
Cllr Ashwell said: “We want everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy Dinton Pastures and the outdoors.
“Increasing the number of mobility scooters from one to three will help more people explore the park and spend time outdoors with family and friends.
“After completing the registration and induction, people can use the scooters free of charge, with bookings available every day of the week.
“I would encourage anyone who could benefit, or who knows someone who could, to find out more.”
Anyone interested in joining the service can arrange an induction by calling the Countryside Service on 0118 934 2016 or emailing: countryside@wokingham.gov.uk
