WITH Kidderminster's shopping complex now beginning to come to fruition, one gets the feeling that Kidderminster has finally entered the space age.

This is thanks, in general, to the likes of Tesco and B&Q. I feel I must bring attention to their wonderful provision of a motorised power-chair facility for the disabled in their respective stores.

However, if Wyre Forest is to be seen to be competitive in trying to attract outside custom, then surely the necessity of a shopmobility scheme is paramount to making Kidderminster an alternative place in which to shop for the disabled.

Anchored by the unacceptable burden of an insufficient budget from central government, I feel that no blame should be attached to the very prudent financial measures forced upon Wyre Forest District Council, in being unable to provide financial support for such a project.

So where do we look for the funding for such an innovative project?

Perhaps if the council approached the megastores directly for sponsorship, such a project could be forthcoming.

The ground floor level of the car park in Blackwell Street would be an ideal location, with the addition of an office and storage facility the minimum requirement necessity.

But does the council really want the centre of Kidderminster to be attractive for shoppers and the disabled alike, or are they more concerned in eroding car parking places as a way of doing deals to attract more out-of-town schemes to the detriment of the town centre?

PE LEES

Sion Avenue, Kidderminster