DISABLED aviation fans have helped Royal International Air Tattoo organisers improve facilities at this year's event on July 19 and 20.

Organisers of the show at RAF Fairford have met disabled groups to outline planned improvements.

These include more lavatories, the provision of motorised scooters, and a WRVS-managed enclosure for disabled people, as well as a new park and ride scheme from South Marston.

In addition, the parking area will be as close as possible to entry points and helpers will always be on hand for disabled visitors.

There were complaints last year about a lack of lavatories, and difficulties wheelchair users had in getting between the car park and the airfield over rough terrain.

John Olding, 53, from Kingshill, has helped disabled friend Charlie Grange at the tattoo for 10 years, and was invited to Friday's meeting.

He was happy that the organisers had made improvements but unhappy that there was no on-site parking .

He said: "I know they have this security situation following September 11 and all these people blowing themselves up in the Middle East, but they are holding the show in deepest England, probably one of the safest places to be. All we need is perhaps enough room for 100 wheelchair users' cars."

Mr Olding said there should be a substantial entry price reduction for pensioners.

Tony Vaughan, 66, from Stratton St Margaret, who has lost a leg, was angry about last year's problems but pleased at efforts to put them right.

He said: "I am happy that they are making an effort to cater for the disabled.

"I also welcome the Park and Ride from South Marston. All these plans look great on paper, but the only way to see if it works is to go on the day and experience it. It is a case of wait and see."

RIAT spokesman Richard Arquati said: "Our meeting on Friday with Mr Olding, Tony, Vaughan of the Swindon Access Group and other groups enabled us to outline the improved disabled facilities we have put in place for this year's airshow."

"We explained that because many of the fields used as car parks were uneven, we would be encouraging disabled people to take advantage of our new disabled park and ride service from the South Marston Park in Swindon. This will ensure they are taken close to the disabled enclosure, run by the WRVS, which will have toilet facilities.

"For those who are travelling by car, we have ensured that disabled car parking areas will be located as near as possible to each pedestrian entry point and that teams of helpers will be available to assist wherever needed. In addition to this, The Mobility Bureau will be able to provide motorised scooters and wheelchairs close to the entry points."