Disabled and Mums in signs protest

Disability scooter, wheelchair and baby buggy users are up in arms about new pavement signs and ramps erected in Welshpool on the eve of the opening of the town's new one-way system tomorrow.

MyWelshpool has been inundated with complaints from the users whose pathways have been blocked by last minute work and twin signposting leaving them with the narrowest of gaps to negotiate.

The twin signs went up in all areas of the town on Friday  and left mobility scooter user Dave Price fuming. "I've had to take a mirror off to allow me room to negotiate my way through the narrowest of gaps and the drop down kerb areas are in stupid positions."

One of the new disabled access points means entering the Union Street junction at an angle into what will be two lanes of one-way traffic on Monday morning.

Wheelchair user Colin Williams has just inches to spare to find his way through the signs which have been erected on double posts in the centre of pavements. Going around the signs would mean him driving on the roads.

Other areas of the town have been left completely unpassable to disabled users with pathways dug up and fenced off without alternative routes in place.

The Town Council has taken the matter up with Powys County Council and the contractors and Town Clerk Robert Robinson has given assurances that changes will be made.

Mr Robinson wrote to complainers saying: "I have already been in contact with both the contractors and Powys County Council to regularise the signage so that wheelchairs and pushchairs can pass.

"I have done the same for the ramps and have toured the town to agree remedial works.

"I can confirm that as a Town Council we will do all in our powers to ensure that these items are corrected as soon as possible."

No-one from Powys County Council was available for comment.