CRITICISM is mounting over access to Winchester’s new sport and leisure park for those with disabilities and unable to drive.

The multi-million-pound facility opened in May this year, with thousands signing up for membership, but pressure is growing for improved public transport to the centre in Bar End.

This week, Winchester City Council announced that it is launching a free travel trial to encourage residents to use the park and ride services to Barfield Close, but for those with disabilities or long-term health issues this stop is not close enough.

Twyford resident Simon Harcourt-Williams has claimed that the council has ignored a promise to have a bus stop at the leisure park.

Mr Harcourt-Williams said he is unable to use the centre because he cannot drive due to eye problems and the bus service is not accessible enough. He and others in a similar situation are joining forces to create a pressure group.

He continued: “This question of having a bus stop at the sports centre and the importance of it for me is for those who have difficulty walking or those in a wheelchair.

“The Barfield stop is a long way from the sports centre, it is not sensible. By insisting on the Barfield stop it feels like I am dealing with a council who simply do not grasp or understand what disabled means.

“I am sick and tired of the council saying we are doing free buses to Barfield, they are missing the point.

“From Barfield to the sports centre is more than certain people with disabilities can manage.

“The leisure centre has got a large car park, and if you have got a car you can go backwards and forwards it is not a problem, but if you don’t have a car then it is a problem.”

Mr Harcourt-Williams said that when River Park Leisure Centre was open a number of buses travelled down North Walls which created easy access.

He claimed that acquaintances in the medical profession cannot send their patients to the centre for therapy due to the lack of public transport.

“We live in a modern age; we have got to take care of the needy and those that might need to be exercised on doctor’s orders – they need the ability to get to and from the sports centre.”

The free travel trial will run for four weeks between Monday October 18 to Sunday November 14, meaning residents can catch a Winchester Park & Ride bus between The Broadway and Barfield Close and travel for free – just by telling the driver where they are travelling.

The council said the move reflects its commitment to encouraging residents to utilise the city’s public transport links to reduce the number of cars in the city centre – as well as enjoying the new leisure park. It added that the reduction in car traffic in the city is also intended to improve air quality.

Cllr Martin Tod, Winchester City Council cabinet member for economic recovery, said: “Anyone with a bus pass can already use the Park & Ride buses to get to the leisure centre, but this new free offer means everyone can take a bus from The Broadway to the leisure centre, and back, for free.

“We’re very grateful to Stagecoach for helping to make this trial possible.

“Making it easier to get down to Bar End will help cut congestion in the city centre and cut carbon emissions too.”

Cllr Tod added: “The council looked at various options for getting a bus service to the leisure centre, but considered Park & Ride to be the best option because of how often it runs. In terms of where bus stops were positioned, there wasn’t a plan or a commitment to place an extra one at the Winchester Sport & Leisure Park. To make it more convenient, the bus stop was moved out of the Barfield Park & Ride to reduce the walking distance: so it’s now a 3-4 minute walk. This free bus trial between the Broadway and Barfield Close will give us a good sense of how well this route works for local people – and if it shows further adjustments are needed, we’ll look at them then."