HARD-HEARTED National Lottery bosses refused to fund a special toilet for a disabled girl on the same day they doled out a whopping £125,000 to tart up some rusty old railings.

Seven year-old Helen Blackwell, who is wheelchair-bound, loves her weekly outings to the Brownies - but they are spoiled by the lack of a disabled toilet in the church hall.

This means she either has to be lifted onto the toilet by pack leaders at 41st Preston Brownies in St David's Church, Ashton - or go home and miss out on having fun with her friends.

Her father Neil Blackwell from Inkerman Street, Ashton, is outraged. He told the Citizen: "I think it ridiculous - there are much more worthy causes than restoring some ornamental gates. They are just throwing money away. A fraction of that money would have made a great deal of difference to my daughter - it would have given her some more dignity.

"Brownies is the only social activity we can take her to so it is important that we make it happy for her. Installing this toilet is within everyone's budget - except my own."

Helen is severely physically disabled but has attained a degree of independence in her wheelchair. She is even working towards gaining her cookery badge at Brownies with the help of her mum, Sue.

The ornamental wrought-iron gates which have attracted so much Lottery cash stand at Haslam Park in Preston. They date from 1910 and are listed Grade II on the Register of Parks and Gardens.

Parks Manager Nigel Conway said: "It is a lot of money for some gates but we have to remember they are an historic part of Preston and the Lottery Fund has recognised their historic importance for future generations to enjoy."

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