CINDERELLA in her wheelchair was invited to a wedding recently at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel at Clayton-le-Moors.

At the end of the evening Cinderella's coach came to take her home. It was booked at Betty's Private Hire in Great Harwood.

A driver called Jack took me home in a specially adapted cab for the disabled and I was able to stay in my wheelchair for the entire journey. The courtesy, kindness and time spent by Jack securing me safely in his cab and then wheeling me out again, I am sure, went far beyond the call of his job.

Many thanks, Jack, for a perfect ending to a perfect day.

But, Hyndburn Council, I am given to understand, only allows Betty's Private Hire to run two specially-adapted cabs for the disabled. Why?

There are many housebound people like myself and with Christmas approaching, many of them will be looking forward to joining in various festivities.

Who at Hyndburn Council decides on such stringent stupid policies? Are any of them confined to a wheelchair?

The council advertises the help it gives companies in various ways. Well, they should help those like Betty's keep in business and help disabled people keep their independence!

BERYL RUSHTON, Accrington (full address received)

A Hyndburn spokesman said: "We have 62 hackney carriages in the borough, eight of which are fully wheelchair-accessible. The Council is mindful of the needs of residents with disabilities and recently commissioned an independent survey which looked at many issues relating to hackney carriage services.

The survey involved consultation with various bodies including disabled groups. The results are being considered and the Council aims to undertake further consultation with disabled groups on this and other issues before changing existing policy. The Council will also continue to encourage hackney carriage licence-holders to ensure that all replacement vehicles are fully accessible."

Council leader Ian Ormerod said: "We are making arranging a conference in the New Year on disabled access and welcome the involvement of local groups and individuals. We are determined to work with others to look at how we can make Hyndburn open to all sections of the community."