THE future of a shopmobility scheme hangs in the balance after the second financial backer in 15 months pulled the plug on funding.

Accrington Shopmobility faced closure in November 2001 when receivers were called in to West Yorkshire-based Ashdale Healthcare, which provided three-quarters of the funding.

Last February. Lakesway Mobility came to the rescue when it said it would invest £20,000 in the charity over three years.

The charity would also be entitled to 2.5 per cent of sales made at the property by Lakesway, which specialises in mobility products. including wheelchairs, scooters, walking sticks and other aids. But the Morecambe-based company, which is now under the Shiloh ActiveCare umbrella is now reassessing its involvement with the charity.

Shopmobilty was set up with funding from Hyndburn Council's single regeration board in April 2000. But all costs since then have had to be found by the committee.

The registered charity enables disabled people to park in the town and borrow scooters or wheelchairs for a small donation to shop in the centre.

Chairman Richard Day said: "This has happened to us twice now and I have had to pay the latest rent instalment out of my own pocket.

"If we have to close down, even temporarily, we will lose the shop building ,so the begging bowls are out until a solution can be found."

Mr Day said Lakesway had offered an alternative deal where they would supply mobility products to the charity at their prices. The charity would then be able to keep the profits from all sales. But Mr Day refused, as he says the deal would not guarantee regular money to pay the rent.

Steve Dootson, managing director of Shiloh ActiveCare, said: "There was an agreement which our solicitors are now looking at.

"As things stand, it is impossible for us to continue funding Accrington Shopmobility in the way we have been doing.

"The level of anticipated sales never materialised in the first year of what was hoped would be a three-year arrangement.

"A general decline in the mobility and rehab sector since late 2002 has resulted in the need to review the position of all Shiloh Mobility Groups locations throughout the UK.

"Accrington has suffered more than most although we don't know why that is.

"It is hoped that Accrington Shopmobility will continue to trade with some level of support from Shiloh ActiveCare and every avenue is being pursued to ensure this."

Ann Bell, 49, of Mason Street, Accrington, said: "I had two strokes, in 2001 and last year, and these left me reliant on the shop's scooters to get about town. If the shop closes I don't know what I'd do."

Beryl Rushton, 59, of Accrington, said: "I caught a viral infection 16 months ago that left me with organ failure and fighting for my life. Since then I have had to rely on the scooters to get about town."