Have you ever fancied taking a drive round an obstacle course in a motorised wheelchair?

If so, a new series of Scooterbility courses which aim to teach people how to properly use their motorised vehicles is coming to Hailsham.

The courses are the brainchild of Wealden District Councillor Laura Murphy.

She said, “It is something different and interesting and show some of the possible dangers if people don’t drive the scooters responsibly and also what happens when everybody just thinks of themselves.

“The whole scheme is unique and as far as I’m aware nobody has run these types of sessions before and it is most definitely a first for the south and maybe even the country.

“I am really excited by it and we are getting a lot of support from the people and have already had some positive feedback.”

The courses include finding out what to look for in a motorised wheelchair, the legal aspects, and experts will also be on hand to tell people about servicing their MV.

A specially commissioned film, which was shot in and around Hailsham, has also been made which highlights some of the possible dangers of MV’s when they aren’t properly used.

The star of the film is Jim Jenner. He was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1997 and uses an electric wheelchair.

His wife Susan said that Jim wanted to be involved with the project as he felt it was worthwhile and there was a need for greater awareness.

“I think the video and training will help people to be more aware, especially when they are out and about.

“A lot of the time wheelchairs and the scooters are seen as a nuisance, but as long as people use them responsibly and others have awareness too, then there needn’t be a problem.

“This world is here for everybody and sometimes people can forget that and not be very understanding of the difficulties.

“Life is difficult enough without putting extra things in the way.”

The courses are being supported by A J Mobility and Cllr. Murphy said that the owner Alan Bass, instantly jumped at the chance to be able to help.

“Alan has been wonderful and A J’s are giving their time and use of the scooters for free.

“Also the involvement of Jim and Roger Ordish, who did the filming, is greatly appreciated.

“This is a community based project and everyone is doing things very much at cost, plus the effort they’ve all put in is over and above what I had anticipated.

“But that just demonstrates how important people think this is and how excited they all are.”

Alan said that he thought getting involved with the project was the right thing to do.

“It is all about putting something back into the community.

“We want to try and get people to be responsible and also to teach them how to drive the scooters properly when we sell them.”

The scheme is being funded through the Safer Wealden Partnership and Hailsham Town Council and Sussex Police has also lent its support.

The one-day courses are free and the training includes advice about how to use the scooters responsibly such as not carrying passengers and driving at night without lights.

The training sessions will be held every month at Hailsham Community Centre from 10am – 12 noon, with the first one being launched on Tuesday February 28.

There is a maximum of 15 people on each course, giving people the chance to talk to the experts, see what’s available and, over refreshments, swap stories with others on the course.

There are other courses running on Tuesday March 28, Tuesday April 25, Tuesday May 23, Monday June 19 and Monday July 24.

To book a place on any of these dates, contact Andy Roe at A J Mobility on 847250.

Eastbourne Gazette 8th February, 2006