IF the people can't get to the shops, the shops will come to the people.

That's the philosophy of a new scheme set up in two Bispham day centres which is inviting traders to sell their wares on the premises.

From Monday (July 21), local residents will be able to buy a wide range of food, toiletries, meat and other essentials from the centres at Stronsay Place and Kilmory Place twice a week - and they can even place regular orders.

The idea came when elderly residents complained of local shops being too far away, as ward councillor Roy Lewis explained.

"There are a few sheltered housing estates in the area and the nearest shopping facilities are on Ashfield Road or in Bispham village which is quite a distance for those with mobility problems," he said.

"Unfortunately, we can't just build shops here, there and everywhere so this is our way of helping out where we can.

"Local traders have responded very well to requests

for help and tenants are happy with the idea."

The scheme is intended as a pilot and if successful will be adopted at Blackpool's 14 other day centres.

Alan Hopwood, the council's community alarm centre manager, added: "It was council policy not to use the centres for commercial purposes, but there was a need for it.

"We are taking it one step at a time and maybe it will take off."

The mobile shop will be open to all residents in the area and will operate at Stronsay Place on Mondays and Kilmory Place on Thursdays, both from 2-4pm.

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