Installation of electric wheelchair and mobility scooter charger in city centre

Newport City Council has installed an emergency charging point for electric wheelchair and scooter users at the library in John Frost Square.

The charging point is the first to be installed by a council in the UK and was donated by Rookwood Hospital in Cardiff, thanks to campaigning from Newport group Disabled Open Opportunity Ringland Social (D.O.O.R.S.)

The new charger point will allow users of mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs to recharge the battery while they are out in the city centre.

Founder of DOORS Bernard Allen said: “We would like to say thank you to Councillors John Fortey, Richard White and Hugh Clark, who have all helped to push this forward. This is a wonderful thing for disabled people in Newport – it will allow them much more freedom.”

Cllr Richard White, Cllr Mike Hamiliton, Cllr John Fortey, Cllr Hugh Clark and Cllr Peter HC Davies were all present at the installation.

Cllr John Fortey said: "I hope this service will prove to be extremely beneficial to those who need it. It will allow them to spend time in the city centre without the worry that their electric wheelchair or scooter will break down, so they can enjoy the facilities Newport city centre has to offer for longer."

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