THE long-awaited Shopmobility centre opened for business in the centre of Petersfield on Saturday.

It is almost five years since PetersfieldÕs champion for disabled people Sue Williams first highlighted the need for the facilities and the cost of the project has rocketed from £20,000 to a staggering £78,000.

But Mrs Williams, who is chairman of the South Downs Association of Disabled People, told The Herald this week: ÒWhatever the cost, at the end of the day, the value to the community is priceless.Ó

She added: ÒCosts for disabled people are escalating everywhere - in health care and Meals on Wheels for example - and I felt we just had to press on with this project. So despite the financial problems we are very grateful that East Hampshire District Council has stuck with this project, itÕs a brilliant and much-needed facility, itÕs been worth waiting for and I think itÕs the jewel in the crown of Petersfield.Ó

In l998 East Hampshire District Council wanted to provide £20,000 funding to convert an old building in Swan Street car park, but it was found to be unsuitable.

Instead councillors decided to back a purpose-built home for Shopmobility in the central car park.

And in November l999 the centre got the go-ahead despite the fact that it meant the loss of 15 parking spaces. The building itself swallowed up nine and a further six were reallocated as spaces for disabled badge holders.

Councillors were told that the cost of the purpose-built home would be £40,000. The extra £20,000 was allocated from planning deal cash agreed when Waitrose extended its town centre store.

But this meant the loss of two projects - £4,000 for the public car park in Herne Road and £16,000 for improved car park signing - from the programme of works intended with the £225,000 Waitrose funds.

There was a setback last year when members of the environment services committee were told that the cost of the centre was likely to be around £60,000. They asked that the work should be re-tendered.

The final cost of the building, said car parks and highways manager John Elson this week, was £78,000.

The extra £38,000 has been funded partly by a £20,000 contribution from Hampshire County Council and the remaining £18,000 from East Hampshire District CouncilÕs car parks maintenance budget.

The centre, which is open six days a week between 10 am and 5 pm, offers powered or manual wheelchairs for hire for a charge of £1.50 a day.

Mrs Williams said the centre was also running a befriending scheme for people who were not physically disabled, but for a variety of reasons would like a companion while shopping.

ÒWe can provide a befriender to help people with their shopping and the idea is that they should build friendships and help people feel less isolated,Ó she explained.

The association is currently seeking further sponsorship to develop the scheme.

Mrs Williams said it had opened with two scooters, a powered chair and two manual chairs. She wanted to expand so that the association could offer ten scooters.

She paid tribute to the dedicated band of volunteers .

ÒThe association is run entirely by volunteers and they have been wonderful and are my staying power.Ó

A celebration launch of the shopmobility centre is being planned for April.