New move to ease the way for disabled

Wheelchair users have complained about difficulties getting to the supermarket because there is no dip in the pavement, which allows them to cross from the path to road easily.

Geoff Billingham, 71, of Ron Golding Close, whose wife Jenny, 66, has to use a wheelchair, said it was a problem able bodied people did not always appreciate.

He said: "We have lived here since the beginning of this year and were disappointed to find that there were no dropped kerbs.

"It is very difficult for disabled people with wheelchairs and mums with pushchairs to be able to get to Somerfield at the end of the estate."

Wiltshire County Council has now come forward with a scheme to install five dropped kerbs along Webbs Way, the main road through the estate.

Former town councillor Fred Moules, who first received complaints about the lack of dropped kerbs in Reeds Farm more than a year ago, welcomed the plan.

He said: "I made inquiries about dropped kerbs and it did move forward although covering the whole of the estate was not feasible.

"I think it will be a big improvement and help people get to the supermarket and into town."

The dropped kerbs are to be located at the junctions of Webbs Way and the following roads: Reeds Farm Road, Bonners Close, Elmer Close, Neibull Close and Michael Pym Road.

County councillor John Thomson, who has come up with the scheme, has surveyed 390 homes to gauge the reaction of people across the estate.

He said there had been very strong support for the dropped kerb with only five people from 157 respondents against the scheme.

"People have been very supportive of the plans. Now I have got such a good return, I will be putting all the facts and figures together and applying for the grants," said Coun Thomson.

He estimated the cost of each kerb would be around £350.

He hoped the kerbs could be in place in the next six months, providing the cash could be found to move the scheme forward.