TEIGNBRIDGE Council has been urged to make changes to the multi-million pound investment in Queen Street after it emerged there were no dropped kerbs for wheelchairs and mobility scooter users.

Newton Abbot Town Council has asked the district authority to look again at the project after wheelchair and mobility scooter users discovered they had no means of crossing the road.

The controversial scheme was introduced by Teignbridge Council and Devon County Council after Government funding was made available.

But with the project nearing completion, it has become apparent that little provision was made for those needing access to dropped kerbs.

Work began in May 2024 with the promise ‘priority [will be] given to pedestrians instead of vehicles’.

A narrower carriageway, partnered with a reduced speed limit, was aimed at making Queen Street easier to cross.

But it now seems only the able bodied have been catered for.

None of the kerbstones on the northern side of the new 150 metre pavement have been lowered, meaning anyone using a wheelchair or scooter, or parents using child buggies, has to travel the entire length of the street to cross.

Mike Hocking, chairman of Newton Abbot Community Transport Association, said: ‘When this glaring omission was brought to my attention I was shocked.

‘Our charity works closely with people who have mobility issues and supports them with services such as Shopmobility.

‘How can a scheme of this scale, allegedly meant to deliver a more accessible and safer shopping experience, have failed to include dropped curbs?

‘Even the artists’ impressions published before construction got underway showed a wheelchair user and someone in a mobility scooter.

‘This is a major gaffe and needs sorting urgently.’

The matter was raised with Newton Abbot Town Council whose officers contacted Teignbridge Council.

Teignbridge Council said: ‘The suitability for dropped kerb locations on the footway between Albany Street and Courtenay Street is due to be looked at comprehensively following a post-construction Road Safety Assessment, which will take place as soon as feasible following the completion of the full package of works.’

Town Clerk Phil Rowe said: ‘I’m pleased that at least the matter will be looked into but it seems strange that this will be done after the work is finished.

‘We’ll keep a close eye on developments as it’s only right that everyone should have access to our town centre.’