Pub ramp too steep for wheelchairs

Wheelchair users claim they are unable to get in the front door of a "disabled friendly" Oswestry pub — because the ramp installed for them outside is just too steep.

Bosses at national drinks chain JD Wetherspoon have apologised, insisting disabled access is a "very high priority", but say they are unable to realign the ramp outside their Wilfred Owen pub in Willow Street.

Shropshire councillor Trevor Davies wrote to the company's headquarters in Watford after receiving complaints from wheelchair users who attend the Derwen College at Gobowen and who would like to drink in the Oswestry town centre pub.

Mr Davies said: "The students from the Derwen and other disabled people cannot access the main entrance to Wetherspoons via the ramp at the front of the building as it is too steep

"They are asked to proceed to the outside area at the rear which is the smoking area and this is unacceptable to them.

"I asked the company to re-align the ramp at the front of Wetherspoons to enable these people to access the premises unaided.

"Unfortunately despite the complaints and this being highlighted to them they say it can't be done and I think it is a great shame."

In response to Mr Davies's inquiry, JD Wetherspoon's customer service team leader Julie Van Quickelberg insisted disabled access was a "very high priority" for the firm and where possible the premises had been modified to enable accessibility to all customers.

Her letter added: "In this instance, although we would very much like to realign the ramp, it is unfortunately not possible, as this would hinder access to the post office next door.

"We have looked at various options but none have been a suitable solution. To accommodate customers who find the front ramp to be too steep, a second ramp was installed at the rear of the pub, which is also the smoking area.

"We are sorry that the students of Derwen College feel the access is unacceptable and apologise for any inconvenience caused."

By Iain St John