SIR: I write following the article in the October 14 issue of the Chronicle wherein there were concerns expressed by elderly and disabled persons who find it difficult to access the new leisure centre.
The person interviewed, Mr Harcourt-Williams, is quite right in saying that the WCC spokesperson is missing the point. Whilst it is admirable that the city council has arranged for people to use the park and ride for free if they say they are travelling to and from the leisure centre, it is not reasonable to expect elderly and disabled persons to walk to and from the bus stops in Barfield Close and the leisure centre.
I feel Cllr Tod is not actually listening to the genuine difficulties some people may be encountering.
Although I am 72 I do not consider myself elderly but, for the past 20 months, I have been struggling with a seriously arthritic hip; I am due to have a hip replacement next February but, in the meantime, even I would struggle to walk the half mile between the Barfield Park and Ride and the leisure centre. I dread to think what it must be like for older, frail people with a permanent disability to try the same journey, especially if they have failing eyesight.
I understand WCC has to work with Hampshire County Council and other organisations such as Stagecoach. It may even involve 'tweaking' local bylaws but, surely, it cannot be beyond the wit of council staff to have the park and ride buses re-routed at Barfield Close roundabout into and out of the leisure centre car park?
Alternatively, could the council and Stagecoach re-route the Number 4 Highcliffe bus into and out the leisure centre car park? This would be doing something practical to come up with a solution to resolve the concerns of a particular section of our community, namely the elderly and disabled who desperately want and need to access the facilities at our brand new excellent leisure centre?
Listen to what people are saying, Councillor Tod, and put yourself in their shoes.
Anthony (Tony) Sinclair,
Winnall Manor Road,
Winnall,
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