A DISABLED woman has blasted a new pedestrian crossing as "ludicrous" because there is no safe route into town once disabled people have used it

Phyllis Fletcher, 74, of Blackburn Road, Darwen, said she used the new crossing in Green Street, Darwen, because of the opening of the new health centre nearby.

But the pensioner, who suffers from arthritis, said that after she crossed from the health centre towards the town centre there were then no dropped kerbs to allow her to safely cross Duckworth Street or Market Street.

Mrs Fletcher, who uses a disability scooter, said: "There were dropped kerbs at either end of the crossing but once I was on the pavement, whether I turned left towards Bury Street or right towards town, there was no option for me to cross the main road safely.

"I ended up having to go back across the crossing and all the long way round Borough Road. My only other option was to go on the road and negotiate the parked cars and traffic.

"It is not just me who will be affected by it. Anyone in a wheelchair or pushing a pram would have problems negotiating the high kerbs.

"I dread to think what it will be like in winter when people have to negotiate the traffic in the dark and in bad weather. In an ideal world there would be dropped kerbs connecting the crossing at the leisure centre to the town centre crossings at either side of the Ethel Austin store. It needs someone to walk the route and look at it practically."

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "As a council we work closely with the Blackburn with Darwen Disabled Group. They told us that some pedestrian routes along the A666 in Darwen did not have any facilities for the disabled and as part of this partnership these issues have been resolved.

"In this case, we weren't aware of the problem but acknowledge the route isn't straightforward. The good news is, the design and layout of the traffic system is going to be thoroughly looked at through the Darwen town centre traffic study which starts in January as part of the town centre masterplan.

"I would urge this lady along with other residents in Darwen to take part in the consultation and let us have their views."