Plans to provide a shop mobility scheme for disabled people in Workington town centre have been approved by Allerdale councillors.

The facility, which loans wheelchairs and scooters to people free of charge, may be set up in a kiosk on Jane Street or in the multi-storey car park.

Money will be set aside for the scheme and a group of councillors will investigate the options.

The council’s watchdog committee said an opportunity was lost when the service was not included in the new town centre when it was first built and suggested its inclusion.

A similar mobility scheme in The Lanes shopping centre in Carlisle has proved popular.

Twenty-six per cent of people in Allerdale are disabled compared with a national average of 16 per cent and this is seen by council officers as an indication that the service will be widely used.

The scheme will be reviewed after 12 months to make sure it is working efficiently.

It will be suggested that people using the service make a donation to its cause.