Residents call on council to improve disabled access

Brian Clarke, who has motor neurone disease, is attending the Somerset Council meeting

Residents calling for pavements to be more accessible for anyone who uses mobility aids are delivering a petition to their local council.

The petition from people in Wells demands that Somerset Council urgently responds to the complaints and recommendations set out in a report written in December 2023.

Brian Clarke, who has motor neurone disease and depends on a wheelchair, will deliver the document, which has been signed by more than 1,400 people.

Somerset Council has offering an apology to campaigners and said: "We are grateful to the group for raising these issues and for submitting their comprehensive accessibility report."

Campaigner Theo van Hensbergen is critical of the response from Somerset Council

The survey by Proper Pavements for Wells noted how difficult it was for people with access needs to get around the city.

One of the campaigners, Theo van Hensbergen said: "If you are able-bodied you just don't notice the deficiencies in pavements. There are all sorts of problems, you're forced into dangerous situations."

The group held a rally in the city in December 2023.

Mr van Hensbergen added: "We are receiving support and advice from our MP Tessa Munt and, at the 11th hour, have had a potentially constructive letter from the council."

"We firmly believe it is only the escalation through our recent complaint letter and the presentation of the petition that is now leading to a more constructive response," he added.

Residents of Wells held a rally calling for more accessible pavements in 2023

In a statement, Somerset Council said: "Our service head has written to Mr Clarke and the other report writers to apologise and set out a way forward, and Lead Member Councillor Richard Wilkins will apologise again in full council."

It adds: "Until now we haven’t been in a position to give a meaningful update as we would have liked but can confirm we are now setting up a task and finish group which will include representatives from the campaigners, Somerset Council and Wells City Council."

Somerset Council said the group will identify possible works within the report which can be prioritised within its ongoing maintenance and other works programmes.