IMPROVEMENTS to disability access in Okehampton are being sought, after a member of the local branch of the Senior Council for Devon encountered problems while using a disability scooter.

Poor access, which is mostly on the eastern side of the town and in the centre, has made it difficult for those using mobility scooters and wheelchairs to get onto and off pavements to crossroads.

Member of the Senior Council for Devon, Graham Ward, who used a disability scooter for three months following an accident, said there was a lack of thinking in the planning of access points.

He said: 'Sometimes there was an exit point from a pavement to cross a road, but no lowered kerb to provide access on the other side, meaning a detour to find one.'

Mr Ward said another area of concern is where the Exeter Road crosses the railway bridge at Fatherford Road.

'The pavement ends with a very narrow and awkward, partially lowered kerb.

'As I was trying to exit the pavement to cross the road, it proved quite difficult.'

Mr Ward said on the Exeter Road Industrial Estate there were several places where access was a problem.

'On one occasion when I was travelling up Exeter Road, having crossed the railway bridge, I found no lowered kerb on the other side of the bridge.'

Mr Ward said he would like people in Okehampton to contact him with any points of poor access they have encountered.

'What I really want is for people to let me know of any problems they've encountered with regards to access.

'I will then put a survey together and present it to West Devon Borough Council and Devon County Council.'

Anyone who has experienced problems with disability access in the town can drop in their written encounters at the Times office.