Mobility scooter users concerned about 'narrow' subway access

Their fears come after West Lancashire Borough Council installed a new gate at the pedestrian entrance to the underpass from Thornbury in Skelmersdale.

The underpass links through to the Mill Lane path and Tawd Valley Park.

But the gate is too narrow to allow some scooter and wheelchair access for residents using the underpass to visit Asda or the Concourse.

West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper has called for the access to be widenened.

She said: “Gates and barriers blocking underpass and pavement access to motorcyclists are welcome, but not at the expense of residents who are wheelchair users or rely on mobility scooters being left unable to access basic amenities such as going to the shops, bank, post office or health centre.

“I have contacted West Lancashire Borough Council seeking an urgent solution, which could be to widen the access or provide wheelchair users with key access to a wider opening of the gate.

She added: “I would also expect that the council consider the width of gates such as these across all public footpaths to ensure the town is accessible to all residents including those with mobility issues and parents with wide prams or buggies.”