SHIPLEY is currently without a “valuable service” that helps disabled people get around town to do their shopping after a wrangle over a “ridiculous” rent increase.

Shopmobility, which has had one of its branches attached to Asda in the town since 1996, shut yesterday amid claims that the supermarket chain had asked for £8,000 per year in rent, up from its current annual peppercorn rent of £26.

The service, which hires out motorised scooters and powered wheelchairs, will move to Shipley Library, at nearby Wellcroft, but the relocated service will not be able to open for several weeks because the new premises need to be adapted for extra electrical equipment. The service, run by Bradford Council, is used by 125 disabled people.

The Telegraph & Argus understands agents for Asda were appointed to deal with the expiry of Shopmobility’s lease, last dated July 21, 2016, that was on a peppercorn rent. They had been instructed to start negotiations including a rent of £8,000 per year, which would increase each year.

Cllr Martin Love (Green, Shipley) said the supermarket site was a convenient drop-off point for disabled shoppers. He said: “It’s ridiculous. Asda are cutting their nose off to spite their face. It has been run for years and years, there has been no issue over it. It has been great for Asda and great for customers. It is a bad move all round.”

Shipley MP Philip Davies has written to Asda’s chief executive after criticising the move. He said: “I think it’s a bad decision for the people who use the service, and a bad decision for the reputation of Asda. It’s a valuable service for the people who use it and it is in the best possible location.”

An Asda spokesman said: “While we are disappointed that Bradford Council has decided to move the Shopmobility facility we will continue to provide assistance to our customers with mobile scooters and specialised trolleys available to allow them to conveniently shop in store.”

A Bradford Council spokesman said: “The council is putting in place temporary arrangements from February 16, for existing customers of the Shipley Shopmobility service that is currently based at Shipley Asda.

“The service is to be relocated within Shipley Library due to the Asda lease ending. The service will be unavailable in Shipley for a few weeks until the necessary work is completed within the library to host the service. All customers have been advised of the temporary closure and apologies given for any inconvenience caused.” The Shopmobility service is still available in Keighley and Bradford.