A SHOPMOBILITY scheme is back on track after its second financial backer in 15 months pulled the plug on funding.

And committee members of Accrington Shopmobility are now looking to secure funding to introduce a new support group for disabled people in East Lancashire.

Accrington Shopmobility faced closure in November 2001 when receivers were called in to West Yorkshire based Ashdale Healthcare which had provided three-quarters of the funding.

Its future was also threatened last month when Morecambe based Lakesway Mobility, which specialises in mobility products, reassessed its involvement with the charity.

The company, now under the Shiloh ActiveCare umbrella, had previously agreed to pay the shop's utility bills and rent for three years.

But last month Steve Dootson, managing director of Shiloh ActiveCare, said it had become impossible to continue funding Accrington Shopmobility in that way.

Solicitors for both sides are looking into the agreement.

The Whalley Road charity which lends scooters and wheelchairs to disabled shoppers in Accrington has now begun selling mobility aids at discount prices in order to foot the bills.

Pat Day, who runs the charity with her husband Richard, said: "All of the profits will go back in to Shopmobility to keep it running.

"We will give it a few months and see how it goes."

Now the future is looking more secure committee Shopmobility workers are planning to establish a new facility to assist people entitled to direct payments from social services.

The scheme gives financial assistance to disabled people who need care assistance so they can organise their own help instead of having it provided by social services.

Mrs Day says the support group would take people through the entire process.

Initially it would provide information on how to access direct payments then give assistance on finding appropriate help.

She said: "We could even do the pay roll for people employing their own care assistants.

"Initially we would work out of Shopmobility and then, if it takes off, we would find our own premises.

"This service would be for the whole of East Lancashire not just Hyndburn but we need to secure funding in order to set us on our way."