WHEELCHAIR users fear the disabled and elderly are being driven out of Warminster because of cracked pavements and uneven roads.

Warminster town centre has been criticised for failing to have safe access for wheelchairs and ignoring disabled and elderly peoples' needs.

Despite a successful shopmobility system, users of wheelchairs admit there are only a small number of accessible routes around town and many shops have little or no wheelchair access.

Now Wiltshire County Council is aiming to improve the town and has promised to listen to the concerns of all wheelchair users.

Sylke Syme, wife of town, district and county councillor John, has been confined to a wheelchair since January.

She said: "I didn't realise the situation in Warminster was so poor until I was in a wheelchair myself. I am sure many people haven't even thought about it but the elderly and disabled have a right to be able to get around town.

"Being in a wheelchair doesn't make you a second class citizen but some parts of the town are problematic.

"While I would not like to name and shame shops, Warminster needs a slap on the wrist.

"Recently we went to Frome and found access was so much better than in Warminster. I don't know how our disabled population cope."

Warminster runs a Shopmobility scheme on Mondays and Fridays and organisers of the charity have welcomed news of any town centre improvements.

John Pomeroy of Warminster Shopmobility said: "There are a number of adequate drop kerbs and flat routes in town but only if you know where you are going and what to avoid.

"With the disability act coming into force at the end of the year shops and public buildings will be expected to provide access to wheelchair users but there are still loopholes.

"Improvements are always much appreciated and there are certain places around the town where the pavement is cracked."

Wiltshire County Council now aims to start work on improvements to wheelchair access in the town by the end of the year.

A spokesman said: "We will be consulting with people in Warminster and in particular we will consult with specific interest groups, including local disabled people, for their help in drawing up our plans.

"If the plans get the go-ahead they will include improvements to the pavements like dropping kerbs where appropriate."