Ref. 27796-3WHEELCHAIR users in Wroughton say newly installed pedestrian crossings are a nightmare for people with mobility problems.

The network of light-controlled crossings are in the High Street outside the Co-op store and are accompanied by textured drop kerbs

The bobbled edges of the pavement should make it easier for people with pushchairs and wheelchairs to cross the road but some residents say the surface, which is meant to help blind people, makes it hard for anyone who has mobility problems.

The crossings have been designed and funded by developer Charles Church-Weston as part of the planning requirement for a 56-home development called Walnut Grove.

Swindon Council approved the design.

Wheelchair users also say the roadworks to install the crossings have been badly planned and have not taken the needs of the disabled into account.

Geraldine Price, 41, of Elcombe, said: "The other day, a drop kerb was partitioned off by a barricade and there was an arrow pointing to the kerb.

"I assumed it was another dropped kerb because of the shading but it was actually a six inch kerb and I nearly fell out of my chair.

"Crossing the road is bad enough and I have heard it is not the first incident there.

"Someone broke their ankle and apparently a lady fell and smashed her face.

"Elderly people have problems as well," she said.

Jennifer Price, 53, of Woodland View, said: "The bobbles on the drop kerbs are to help blind people but I am sure there are other suitable surfaces.

"I walk with two sticks and the last 12 months they have been doing this work has been a nightmare. Once I lost half my shopping into the main road."

Chris Rose, from Swindon Council's transport department, said: "The tactile paving used on the new signalised junction recently installed at the junction of Wharf Road and High Street in Wroughton is of a standard which conforms with the Department of Transport's guidance on tactile paving.

"It is designed to assist blind and partially sighted people to find the signal push button and thus stop the traffic so that they can cross safely.

"We are not aware of any complaints to the Council regarding the use of this type of paving."

Lucy Jenner, a spokeswoman for Charles Church-Weston, said: "The developer has not been made aware of any issues surrounding this and on this occasion therefore is unable to comment."