DISABLED William Cotton has to stay out in the cold if he wants to enjoy a pint at his local - often leaving him feeling like a second-class citizen.

A lack of wheelchair-friendly pubs and restaurants in Droitwich means the 80-year-old has to be passed his favourite brew through the window.

His mobility buggy has become a familiar sight outside the Railway Inn, Kidderminster Road, where other regulars join him for a chat.

"I often pop by the pub when I take my dog for a walk," said Mr Cotton, of Ombersley Street West.

"I knock on the door and they pass my drink through the window. I have to admit, my visits are less frequent in the winter, though, as it's too cold."

His plight has highlighted a serious access problem for the disabled.

A new law, which comes into force later this year, specifies that any providers of goods, services and facilities to members of the public must be disabled-friendly.

But many restaurants and pubs in the town say they will be unable to meet the requirements of the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act,

"It would be very difficult for us to put anything in place for disabled people," said Railway Inn landlady Iris Priddey.

"We have a staircase at the back of the building which cannot be changed and the front door is tiny. Inside, it's small too, and it would be hard for people to get around."

Star & Garter landlady Carlene Webb said: "We'd love to welcome disabled people, but the building's listed and we've been told there's no way we can make the necessary changes.

"We enquired about making the front door bigger as it's so small, but we were categorically told this was against planning rules."

It will leave people like Mr Cotton being forced to sit outside with their drink.

"I've been disabled for 12 years now and access for people in wheelchairs or buggies is a problem in Droitwich, not just in pubs but for everything, including shops and banks," he added.

"I must admit that, sometimes, the lack of facilities do make me feel like a second-class citizen, and that's wrong.

"But, if pubs and restaurants are saying they can't change legally, what can you do?"

BLOB: We want to hear about other businesses which won't be able to meet the new planning laws. Call Local Government reporter John Brenan on 01905 742251 or email: jb@thisisworcester.co.uk.