BURY Shopmobility has greeted the new millennium - in its new headquarters.

And at the opening of the £138,600 premises, tributes were paid to the Shopmobility's hard-working volunteers and staff for their "dedication and effort".

The new base is located at the junction of Cross Street and Minden Parade, Bury. Carrying out the ceremony was well-known former local businessman Mr Jack Farraday.

As chairman of the W. O. Street Charitable Foundation and the Marian Brunskill Trustees, Mr Farraday has helped to provide financial and other support to Bury Shopmobility since its launch six years ago.

The full cost of the new headquarters was met through a National Lottery grant. And the land has been provided by Mill Gate landlords MEPC for a peppercorn rent for a minimum of 10 years.

Bury Shopmobility provides special transport for the disabled to allow them to shop in the town centre area. The scheme has 1,500 registered users in Bury and an assortment of 22 scooters, electrical and manual wheelchairs.

Its new premises replaces Shopmobility's previous base in Silver Street and provides 50 per cent more space.

Chairman Mr Alan Norton said: "This is a very special day and the end of three years of hard work.

"It is a team effort involving all our 14 volunteers and two staff."

He also thanked Bury Council and its social services department for the help and support shown during the past six years. The new premises were constructed by Greenmount Developments over a four-month period.

Vice-chairman Mr Alan Ayres said: "It's half as big again as our previous headquarters and we are delighted to be moving in to these new premises."

Mr Farraday added: "This is one of the best success stories in terms of volunteers. This was a dedicated voluntary effort involving so many people.

"I believe we can all be proud of Bury Shopmobility's success."

Also attending the opening along with users were the Mayoress of Bury Mrs Anne Costello and representatives of Bury Council, including chief executive Dennis Taylor, and officials on behalf of MEPC and the National Lottery.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.