Residents are leading a campaign to get better disabled access for residents on an Accrington estate.
Ken Smith has met with residents of Fern Gore Avenue in Accrington to hear their concerns about disabled access to the shops and flats.
Ken, 56, who lives on the estate said he had been in touch with Hyndburn Homes to voice his concerns.
He said: “There’s a row of shops, with flats above them. The disabled access to get to the shops and flats is about 150m down from where the steps are, so people in wheelchairs or with buggies have to walk all the way down.
“It might not seem like a long way but for someone in a wheelchair or someone like me with a walking stick its a bit of a trek.
“I’ve been in touch with Hyndburn Homes and the council but as yet nothing has been done to address this.
“I’ve been talking to people who’ve fallen or nearly fallen trying to get up these steps and it’s only a matter of time before someone seriously injures themselves or breaks their neck.”
Coun Pam Barton said she was ‘delighted’with the work Hyndburn Homes had done on the estate, but agreed with Mr Smith’s concerns.
She said: “Although Hyndburn Homes have done an excellent job on the shops the disabled access and access for mums with prams is very poor. I support the residents and agree that the steps need looking at.”
Hyndburn Homes said they consulted with local residents in January 2013 and successfully secured planning permission for major access improvements to the shops, on Fern Gore Avenue.
A spokesman added: “This work includes new access arrangements to comply with the Equality Act 2010. A member of staff from Hyndburn Homes discussed the issues raised by Mr Smith at a recent residents’ meeting and explained to him that we have not received any direct concerns from any of our tenants.We understand that the residents are pleased with the investments and improvements.
“However, if any of our tenants have any concerns about this then we urge them to get in touch with us.”
