THE MISSION to make Chard’s town centre accessible to everyone has taken another step forward after a mobility scooter resident met with a councillor to discuss dropped kerbs.

In October, residents joined forces with councillors to complete a walking tour of Chard’s kerbs and discuss how to make pathways and town amenities more accessible.

Now, a town-wide review of the dropped kerbs has been completed, led by Glynswood resident Mike Dannatt and Cllr Amanda Broom.

Mr Dannatt, a user of a mobility scooter which is licensed for road use, said: “Accessibility issues are not always resolved with a dropped kerb – there are often other options such as radar locks or raising awareness, which can solve the problems.

“Sometimes a mobility scooter user might keep close to shop entrances.

“This can cause a problem as people often walk out of shops without looking.

“Speed is also critical. Users should always keep the speed low and safe dependent on the situation.”

Cllr Broom said: “Working with residents to understand situations from their perspective is key. As well as plans to improve the dropped kerbs in the town, we are now looking at installing radar locks in places if they are viable compared with other options.

"It is also important to raise awareness of some of the issues faced by mobility scooter users, and other disabled residents.

“If there is a dropped kerb and you park a vehicle in front of it, you could well be putting someone who is less able at serious risk, as the route they must now take may not be suitable. As well as asking motorists to be aware of dropped kerbs, it is also about mobility scooter users being aware of their surroundings too.”

“There are also many places where accessibility has been taken into consideration, but unfortunately, it was not future proofed.”

The idea to assess the town’s accessibility came from a Combe ward resident.

Cllr Broom added: “They have a disabled son and find accessing Chard Cemetery from the bottom entrance impossible - any visits result in an extended walk up to the top entrance, which is unnecessary and difficult.

“This is just one example, every ward in Chard has its own issues and it’s great that we are all working together to send County Council a clear request for a plan of action.”