DISABLED townsfolk have slammed access facilities in Bromsgrove labelling them "inadequate" and a "disgrace."

Wheelchair-bound John Moore, of Brueton Avenue, expressed his concern following an article in last week's Advertiser/Messenger about access to Bromsgrove Museum.

He said it is not just the museum, but Bromsgrove as a whole which fails to provide adequate facilities for the disabled.

Bromsgrove train station is one of his major concerns. John, said it is impossible for him to cross the footbridge to access the opposite platform.

He said: "This is not right, not enough has been done to cater for the disabled. It is the same with shops in Bromsgrove as well. It is impossible to get into Burtons above Dorothy Perkins."

A spokesman for Central Trains, said: "We believe we meet with the Disabled Discrimination Act, we have trains and other stations with adequate facilities. I would recommend disabled people use the station at Droitwich or Barnt Green instead. Any infrastructure improvements would have to be done by the station owners, Network Rail. This will not happen unless they get funding to do it."

The concerns raised by Mr Moore were echoed by Arthur Layland, from Central Associates, Central Road, Bromsgrove, who helps recommend how the Disabled Discrimination Act 95 can be implemented.

He said: "Overall I would say disabled facilities in Bromsgrove are not up to scratch, the council could do more to help. All you need to do is walk up High Street and you can see shops that pose a problem."

Another disabled resident, Valerie Kimberly, of Brook Road, said: "The facilities around Bromsgrove are disgraceful. The council is proposing a shop mobility service but I don't see the point, as there is very few places you could go.

"It is very degrading, If I want to go into a shop I should be able to.

A spokesperson for Arcadia Group, said: "Our duty under disability discrimination law is to do what is reasonable, having considered all the practicable options including cost. This Burton branch is one of our smallest and it would be hopelessly uneconomic to make major changes to access.

"We are always trying to find ways to improve access - are considering a portable ramp to at least help people get inside Dorothy Perkins."

Anita Mears, chairman of traders group BroMark, said: "Staff just need to be more aware of the needs of disabled people and be willing to always lend a hand. That could solve a lot of problems.

"It would be financially difficult, maybe impossible, for a small independent business to fund major changes to the property."