DISABLED facilities across Kidderminster have been criticised by a campigner carrying out a national survey.

David Hughes, known as Wheelchair Charlie, is travelling the country assessing attitudes to disabled people, parking and access.

The 46-year-old was unimpressed by lack of provision for disabled motorists in the Weavers Wharf car park, due to its raised pedestrian access and lack of dropped kerbs. He also said many automatic doors across the town failed to warn people how and when they might open.

Mr Hughes added inclines could be "smoothed out", but he was pleased that disabled toilet facilities at the town's Connect Wyre Forest centre were open on a 24-hour basis to eligible people.

He started his journey in Blackpool and has travelled hundreds of miles across the country, visiting cities such as Nottingham, Manchester, Worcester and Gloucester.

Worcestershire is the worst county he has come across so far in terms of provision for disabled people.

Mr Hughes suffered spinal injuries in 1990 which have left him unable to walk without crutches and, sometimes, wheelchair-reliant.

His aim was to highlight disability problems throughout the country while raising money for charity.

A Wyre Forest District Council spokesman said: "The Government has recognised the importance of an inclusive society with the introduction of the Disability Discrimin-ation Act and by placing increased emphasis on accessibility within planning legislation. The council is taking this forward at the local level.

"In April this year, it appointed an access officer who is focussing on accessibility and liaising with local disability groups."

Mr Hughes added local authorities should better understand the people they were providing for in their communities, whether chronically ill, disabled with special needs or elderly.

He added: "We will never get everything right as we have not got the money to do so but it helps if there is a willingness to understand and awareness of your community."