On verge of banning disabled from town centre - claim

Plans to build bus stops in the Bull Ring will involve the loss of vital disabled parking spaces, says Worcestershire county councillor Howard Martin.

He said the blueprint, part of ongoing town centre development, would include the loss of more than 20 spaces - including "eight or nine" for the disabled - forcing shoppers away.

However, developer Centros Miller stressed negotiations over the bus stops which could vary in number from two to six were ongoing.

And it was providing sufficient disabled parking for the town with 21 disabled spaces at Pitts Lane.

It has arranged a public meeting with Wyre Forest Highways Partnership for Friday, September 14 in the Corn Exchange, Kidderminster.

After speaking to district council colleagues Mr Martin claims there is "cross party disgruntlement" at the scheme.

He says it would harm town centre businesses and come as a further blow to disabled drivers after the Highways Partnership Forum did an about-face and threw out plans for three parking spaces in Church Street, next to the Bull Ring.

This issue will be discussed again at a forum meeting on September 28 after Mr Martin demanded it be put back on the agenda.

He said: "We are on the verge of banning disabled people from the town centre.

"The Bull Ring is certainly not a suitable site for bus stops. I am already aware that a number of businesses in the area are opposed to the plan and concerned for their future," he added."

However, Centros Miller development manager David Lewis said highways experts and bus company First Midland Red had agreed the Bull Ring was a good location for bus stops and disabled spaces were merely being relocated.

He said: "Disabled people will be able to park directly in front of shops at a purpose-built car park, which we believe is a safer environment than parking on the Bull Ring.

"If people do have concerns about the Bull Ring proposals, our officers will be on hand to answer any queries at the meeting."