‘Glaring omission’ ignores wheelchair and mobility scooter users

NEWTON Abbot Town Council has urged Teignbridge District Council to improve the multi-million pound changes to Queen Street after wheelchair and mobility scooter users discovered they had no means of crossing the road.

NEWTON Abbot Town Council has urged Teignbridge District Council to improve the multi-million pound changes to Queen Street after wheelchair and mobility scooter users discovered they had no means of crossing the road.

The controversial scheme featuring wider pavements and traffic restrictions was forced on the town by the District and County Councils who wanted to spend a Government grant before the money disappeared.

Work began in May 2024 with the promise that ‘priority [will be] given to pedestrians instead of vehicles. A narrower carriageway, partnered with a reduced speed limit, will make Queen Street itself easier to cross.’

But with the project nearing completion it appears that only the able bodied have been catered for.

None of the kerbstones on the northern side of the new 150 metre pavement have been lowered, meaning anyone using a wheelchair or scooter has to travel the entire length of the street to cross.

Mike Hocking, Chair of Newton Abbot Community Transport Association, said: ‘When this glaring omission was brought to my attention I was shocked.

‘Our charity works closely with people who have mobility issues and supports them with services such as Shopmobility.

‘How can a scheme of this scale, allegedly meant to deliver a more accessible and safer shopping experience, have failed to include dropped curbs?

‘Even the artists’ impressions published before construction got underway showed a wheelchair user and someone in a mobility scooter.

‘This is a major gaffe and needs sorting urgently.’

The matter was raised with Newton Abbot Town Council whose officers contacted Teignbridge.

The district’s response was: ‘The suitability for dropped kerb locations on the footway between Albany Street and Courtenay Street is due to be looked at comprehensively following a post-construction Road Safety Assessment, which will take place as soon as feasible following the completion of the full package of works.’

Town Clerk Phil Rowe said: ‘I’m pleased that at least the matter will be looked into but it seems strange that this will be done after the work is finished.

‘We’ll keep a close eye on developments as it’s only right that everyone should have access to our town centre.’