DISABILITY rights campaigners are furious at council plans to redevelop an area of York, in a move that will reduce disabled parking and accessibility.

The redevelopment of Library Square, outside the city’s Explore Library Learning Centre, would see the ramp to the building removed, and new seating areas installed in front of the library.

Lynn Jeffries, from York’s Independent Living Network, said the plans were inappropriate.

She said: “They seem to be hitting people with accessibility issues from every side. There’s no money to care for disabled people but using public funds to restrict their access to the library is planned. You have to question where the money is coming from. I’m very worried that they haven’t consulted anyone about these plans.”

Lynn said: “They have plans for two disabled car spaces in Blake Street, but wheelchair users who access their car from the back would only be able to do that from one space. They haven’t consulted anybody or taken any notice of the accessibility guidelines.”

Holgate ward councillor Sonja Crisp, said: “While I fully support the need to make improvements to Library Square, I would initially say that I am very concerned that there will be no disabled parking at the library site.

“The two disabled spaces in Blake Street will no doubt be welcomed by all disabled visitors to the city centre as they are in a prime position.

“However, I would think that they may not often be available for disabled library users and so will not replace the ones already outside the library.”

A City of York Council spokeswoman said: “The council has consulted key user groups on proposals to redevelop Library Square, making it safer and more accessible for visitors to the Explore Library Learning Centre, creating a new city centre square.

“Under the plans, all car parking, including disabled parking bays would be removed. The square will still be accessible for people to be dropped off if there is a need. Servicing of the library and the council offices will be unaffected by the proposals. “ The spokeswoman also said the proposals will include changes to the Park & Ride system which would improve access: “The proposed works to Library Square also incorporate changes to the Park & Ride bus stop in Museum Street. The works proposed for the area involve the removal of the Tour Bus stop and widening/ realignment of the footway to allow easier passage for pedestrians.

The realignment permits the Park & Ride buses to draw up directly adjacent to the kerb without leaving a large gap between the rear doors and the kerb which is difficult for the less-mobile to use.”