Uneven, dangerous pavements: A Tenby woman is drawing attention to how poor access for disabled people is in the Pembrokeshire town, especially on the outskirts.

“It really is about time Tenby actually does something for the poor people in wheelchairs,” said Rachel Couch, who lives in the seaside town and whose mother is disabled.

“Access is shocking,” she told the Observer, “but the biggest problem for disabled people living in Tenby, not in the town centre but on the outskirts, is just how dangerous the pavements are.

“The pavements are a disgrace uneven, bumpy, just not acceptable,” Rachel said. “Today made me so sad that two people living in Tenby met on a pavement at the same time. The photo says it all: they were both scared, worried and just shouldn’t have been in that position.

“It makes me so cross and sad, just because they are in chairs, scooters, or walking with a frame doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be able to pass on the pavements safely and with dignity. They were failed massively today.”

Rachel says she has complained of this for the past six years, but “nothing has been done,” adding that she doesn’t want to complain about anyone though: “I just want it sorted.”

The Scope website states that in England and Wales, under the Equality Act 2010, “access for disabled people is a legal requirement. This applies to employers, public and private services” so it should oblige local authorities to take the needs of disabled people seriously.

Pembrokeshire residents can use the ‘report a problem’ button on the council website (www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk) to flag up a footway repair or maintenance issue.

The Department of Transport’s 2001 Guide to Best Practice on Access to Pedestrian and Transport Infrastructure points out that “surfaces should be firm and slip-resistant in wet and dry conditions” and “any unevenness can cause problems for some people, including wheelchair users and cane users.”

County Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall has been supportive.

“Rachel is right. There are access difficulties all over Tenby and not just in the town centre. We really must do better on every level. 

“I’ve arranged for Rachel and her Mum to meet the Pembrokeshire County Council access officer. This is just one problem site. There are others all over town and I will be talking to the access officer to see what improvements can be made as soon as possible.”