DISABLED shoppers in Trowbridge are having their wheelchairs and scooters taken away because of a lack of cash.

Shopmobility, a charity which has helped people get around the county town since 1997, is due to close next month, leaving more than 500 disabled shoppers stranded.

In an effort to keep the scooters running, co-ordinator Geraldine Bentley sought extra cash from local councils but was rejected.

She said: "The funding pot has dried up so we asked the district council to step in with money but it refused.

"We have tried everything but there is no option left."

Neil Gumm, from Trowbridge, who uses Shopmobility frequently, said: "The council has let disabled people down.

"It seems like it has forgotten about us."

Disabled 81-year-old Roy Welch, from Warminster, uses Shopmobility in Trowbridge every week. Mrs Welch said: "We need Shopmobility to buy everything we need in town and it gives my husband a day out."

"It's disgraceful that the council cannot keep it running. How are disabled people going to do their shopping now?"

The scooter and wheelchair service has the support of local shops and recently Dixons in Fore Street donated £1,000.

Over 500 customers in Dixons, Iceland and Knees department store have pledged their support by signing petitions all week.

A West Wiltshire District Council spokesman said: "We are very sorry to hear the news but we have always given them our full support.

"We are committed to helping people access Trowbridge."

Wiltshire County Council has helped fund the service in the past and Ray Jones, director of adult community services, said: "We are very surprised that this has happened."

Shopmobility has also received annual help from the West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust but a spokesman said that it is not in a position to help.

Shopmobility employs two members of staff and has raised money through donations and council help in the past.

The final decision to close was taken in a meeting of the trustees on Monday and the scooters will stop running on July 9.

It is the first service of its kind in the country to close after failing to attract backers to maintain the £20,000 per year costs.

The cash crisis will also affect a volunteer service giving personal support to disabled people which will also close due to lack of funds.