Lack of sinkhole repair restricting disabled access to Lancaster city centre is ‘unforgivable’

Wheelchair user Melissa Parker says she currently cannot use the area in North Road where the hole appeared outside Joseph & Co on September 15.

Shop owner Paul Cusimano said a previous report had been made to the council after paving stones had come loose following the storm and subsequent flooding in August.

This was due to be investigated imminently.

The hole has been cordoned off while Lancashire County Council deals with the issue.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "The area was made safe immediately by covering the void and closing the affected section of footway.

"We are continuing to work closely with the property owner to identify the best long-term solution.

"Permanent repairs to the footway are dependent on work to the cellar beneath the property, but in the meantime, we are taking steps to improve access for pedestrians and wheelchair users.

"These improvements are expected to be completed later this week and can be carried out without affecting the adjacent parking bay.

"We thank residents and businesses for their patience while this matter is resolved."

However, Melissa said the stretch of pavement was her only safe way into town as a wheelchair user, because the other side of the road has broken pavement and damaged tarmac.

“I am a wheelchair user who can’t currently get into town, and that is unforgivable,” she said.

“When I was forced to use the road opposite, I almost fell out of my wheelchair. That road is uneven, the pavement is broken and there are holes in the tarmac.

“The council must know that these problems exist and have done for many years, and the problem wouldn’t be as bad now if they had taken care of the roads properly.

“The council has given absolutely no thought to disabled people and people who might need access for other reasons.

"As much as I am glad to hear they are now thinking of alternatives, I worry they will also lack the necessary thought.”