Garden revamp backfires

Not only has the gravelled/cobbled path discouraged boarders and BMX bikers from visiting the mini-park, it has also created a no-go area for people using wheelchairs.

The path surface has infuriated wheelchair users - especially as the made-over gardens have been opened only a few weeks before the introduction of a government act requiring easy access to public places for disabled people.

Colin and Maggie Pilcher live at nearby Arundel Lodge. Colin, aged 57, enjoys outings in his wheelchair but was dismayed when he tried to traverse the Liverpool Gardens obstacle course.

Maggie told the Herald this week: "Living right in the town centre, we watched in anticipation as this garden was constructed.

"Eager to try it out, we set out from the north end, where we live. As there was no drop in the pavement, my husband could not get in there with his wheelchair.

"The south end does have a drop, followed by a slope, with gravelled path; not easy! The final straw was the large patches of cobbles which the small caster wheels of a wheelchair simply can't negotiate."

Maggie continued that this was no doubt to deter skateboards.

"But they aren't the only users of small wheeled 'vehicles'; apart from wheelchairs, how about pushchairs, shopping trolleys and wheeled walking frames?"

Referring to the Disability Discrimination Act, which comes into full force on October 1, Maggie said: "I'm not sure that, technically, it applies to gardens. But it seems sad that, in this particular year, so much money should have been spent creating a garden which has such limited accessibility."

Colin said: "As far as the garden area is concerned, I love it. But I cannot get around in it. With a smooth, Tarmac surface, it would have been nirvana."

The Pilchers' neighbour and friend Marianne Woodrow, aged 81, said she found it difficult to traverse the shingle and cobbles with her walking aid.

"During the five years I have been in Worthing, I have found that access help for the disabled has got worse. In the case of Liverpool Gardens, I don't think they could have consulted the community," she said.

The Herald heard a similar complaint from Scope charity worker Jenny Smith, who was giving Scope client David, 21, a summer's day outing.

A Herald reporter saw that when Jenny tried to push David's wheelchair over the cobbles, the front wheels became wedged between the stones and would not budge.

"It's easier to push a wheelchair on the gravel but I give these cobbles 0 out of 10," said Jenny.

A further complaint came from Tony Wiggins, of Hamble Gardens, Worthing, this time about the bench seating fixed to the long wall.

"I agree that Liverpool Gardens look lovely," he said, "but they are not a place to relax.

"Have you tried sitting on the seats and leaning back on to the flints? The older generation need back support when sitting down."

John Thorpe, Worthing Borough Council's assistant director (leisure and cultural services), told the Herald on Tuesday: "I hope the situation will improve regarding the gravel but it is unlikely we will remove the cobbles.

"We have tried to reach a compromise, addressing the concerns of those worried about the impact of skateboarders and BMX riders on the area, and general access.

"We are between a rock and a hard place. There is no perfect solution to all this.

"We have spent 100,000 providing youngsters with their own skate park (in Homefield Park), and yet they still prefer to make a nuisance of themselves in public areas. They are very difficult to control."

Mr Thorpe said he was aware there was no drop to the kerb at the north end of Liverpool Gardens and it was hoped this would soon be remedied.