COUNCIL chiefs in York believe they have achieved a national first by installing a new lock to help disabled people use the city's cycle and pedestrian routes more easily.

People who needed to use wheelchairs have previously had difficulties accessing gates with conventional padlocks - complete with steel shrouding to prevent vandalism.

Now City of York Council officers have remodeled the RADAR (Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation) lock, producing a new design that is easier to open.

The modified lock has been attached to the gates at Hob Moor and can be opened with a standard RADAR key, making it much easier for those in wheelchairs to use the amenity. Visitors to the city can also enjoy this facility, as RADAR keys are nationally available.

Geoff Henman, a member of York Access Group, which acts as a consultancy for all disabled people, said the new lock had really opened up access to the city for disabled people.

He said: "It's made a very big difference to travelling from the Foxwood side of Acomb, as previously we had to travel down the main roads.

"Now we have access to routes with no traffic congestion including a safe route through South Bank, across Bishopthorpe Road and over the Millennium Bridge to New Walk by the riverside, straight into the Clifford's Tower area.''

Before the new locks were introduced, Mr Henman said it was very difficult for any disabled person who had weak hands to open the gates, but now it was much easier.

Updated: 08:38 Tuesday, July 27, 2004