People call for more accessible pavements in Wells at rally

Residents of Wells held a rally in front of the town hall calling for more accessible pavements

People are calling for pavements to be more accessible for anyone who uses mobility aids such as wheelchairs.

Residents of Wells, in Somerset, held a rally in front of the town hall on Thursday afternoon.

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

Somerset Council said: "With 4,172 miles of roads to cover, the team has to prioritise maintenance."

Theo van Hensbergen, one of the campaigners, goes on walks with his neighbour who uses a wheelchair.

Somerset Council said it had to prioritise maintenance over its 4,172 mile road network

He told BBC Radio Somerset: "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.

"If nothing joins up, it means that in some places, a wheelchair user has to travel 10 times further than an able bodied person."

During the rally, the campaigners handed over the Proper Pavements for Wells survey to Somerset Council.

During the rally, the campaigners handed over the Proper Pavements for Wells survey to Somerset Council

In a statement, Somerset Council told BBC Somerset: "We're grateful for the work carried out in putting together this comprehensive report and are keen to work with the community and Wells City Council to identify areas of concern.

"Our team does carry out regular inspections across our network, including pavements in towns and villages, but with 4,172 miles of roads to cover, the team has to prioritise maintenance.

"However, there may be scope to work in partnership with Wells City Council and the community to identify and action some works more quickly if an approach can be agreed."