DISABLED people in Worcester could soon be able to buy a special key which would give them free access to toilet facilities.

The suggestion has been made by a city councillor, who has criticised the lack of free disabled toilets in Worcester.

The Radar system is already used by 90 per cent of councils throughout the country and allows disabeld people to purchase the key and access facilities around the country. Coun Sam Arnold has made the suggestion following concern that disabled people have to pay to use the newly renovated toilets in Angel Place.

He said: "I think that in line with other councils we can use the Radar system.

"I have spoken to the appropriate people at the city council and I have been told that there is no reason why it can't be introduced.

"The system works by disabled people buying a key. The price varies around the country from £2 to £3.30. The key then gives them free access to toilets."

Mr Arnold has proposed a motion, which is due to be discussed at a full council meeting today (tuesday).

The motion says: 'That this council views with concern the lack of any free disabled public toilet facilities at Angel Place and, therefore, instructs the cabinet, in the interest of diversity and public health, to consider ways in which this anomaly can be speedily rectified'.

At present the Angel Place toilets, which were reopened in May following a £138,000 revamp that took 12 weeks to complete, cost 20p to use. They are open during the day with an attendant making sure the facilities remain clean.

The toilet for disabled people remains open 24 hours a day and can be used by anyone when the main toilets are closed, but users must still pay 20p to go through the barrier.

Terry Norwood (correct), manager of Shop Mobility, in CrownGate Shopping Centre, said some disabled people were annoyed.

"It's not just about paying, it's about accessibility. A lot of people throughout the country have the Radar keys and these toilets are not Radar accessible.

"Also, disabled visitors to the town won't be able to use their keys to access the toilets."

No one from the Disability Information and Advice Line's (DIAL) South Worce-stershire group was available to comment.