FEARS have been allayed concerning the threatened closure of a popular Red Cross mobility aids centre which serves residents in Haslemere, Godalming, Hambledon, Chiddingfold and Milford.

Concern for its future mounted when The British Red Cross announced, following a cost-cutting review, it planned to sell its property, in Godalming, and provide short-term loans of mobility aids from other addresses across the county.

The mobility aids service helps more than 100,000 people each year, but servicing and cleaning is now done in Crawley, meaning the Godalming facility is too big.

But responding to fears that the service, had been axed, the Red Cross confirmed it was “wholly committed” to retaining the service locally, which helps people regain their independence after an operation, illness or accident.

The charity issued an assurance this week, it was seeking to lease an alternative space in the town so people can continue to borrow items, such as wheelchairs, once the property is sold. The service to provide short-term loans of mobility aids to people with a temporary disability or after a hospital stay, is volunteer-led.

Red Cross mobility aids volunteer co-ordinator Jacqui Blake said: “This is a really important service that helps many people every year maintain their independence.

“Without volunteers the Red Cross would not be able to give people the help they need in a crisis. We depend entirely on people who generously give up a few hours of their time to help others.”

The Red Cross building in Meadrow, is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 10am-3pm. If you can spare just a few hours a week then get in touch.

Full training will be provided on issuing equipment, demonstrating how to use and maintain it, as well as providing general customer service. Email JacquiBlake@red cross.org.uk or call (01483) 429 238 for more information.