Angry wheelchair user Richard Everett has spoken out after being prevented from getting into the Corsham dental surgery that he has used for over 30 years.

Amputee Mr Everett, 82, of Mount Pleasant, Chippenham, was dismayed to find that residents of Porters Mead, a gated community in Corsham, refused him access to the disabled-friendly back entrance of Power and Stafford-Wood dental practice on Pickwick Road.

The practice is unable install ramps at the front because the steps to the historic building are too steep.

Dentist William Stafford-Wood said: “We had an agreement with the previous owners but we have no access rights.

“When it was a garage it was fine but now it is private property.

“We have about four people who are wheelchair users. We will have to make alternative arrangements for them to be seen elsewhere.

“At the moment I can’t see any other way forward.”

Retired police officer Mr Everett, who lost his leg a year ago, said: “I have never had a problem before. It took three people to carry me up the front steps, but I won’t see anyone else. I shouldn’t have to change my dentist.”

Pip Everett, his wife of 60 years, said: “It all started when we had tried to access the rear entrance as usual and the taxi was there for just a couple of minutes to drop us off. But there was a woman trying to get her car in and she was waving her fist at the driver and was very angry.

“Richard has been going there for over 30 years. He doesn’t like going to the dentist but he has the utmost faith in them at the practice, so to have to move to a new surgery would be very hard for him.

“People are very inconsiderate. There are only four wheelchair clients so it can’t be too much trouble to the residents.”

No-one from the gated community was available for comment.