A NEW bridge which was criticised due to it being ‘unusable’ for wheelchair users has had its entrance widened - but locals have still blasted the work.
Penny Pie Park’s bridge - was supposed to improve connectivity between Dodworth and Pogmoor over the railway line - cost £1.5m but it’s been mired in controversy since its opening in May.
Resident Maurice Lee claims the entrance onto the bridge from Glendale Close is ‘a total mess’ and not wide enough for his disabled wife, Janet, and her wheelchair.
He told the Chronicle: “I remember contacting the council when the work on the bridge first started.
“I wanted to enquire if this would have access for mobility scooters and wheelchairs - I was confidently assured that it would be fully inclusive for everyone to use, unfortunately that isn’t the case.
“Janet wouldn’t be able to use this bridge - it really needs sorting.”
However, Barnsley Council confirmed work had been done earlier this month to rectify the matter.
Coun Robert Frost, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, added: “We were made aware of issues at the Glendale Close entrance to the park, where an A-frame barrier needed widening to improve accessibility.
“In response to this, our contractor was on site two weeks ago and widened this barrier from 350mm to 500mm.
“Alongside this, we are also finalising plans to install a new path between the access barrier and the existing path to help improve pathway links and make it easier for everyone to get around the park.
“We want our parks to be as accessible as possible - if you think there’s an issue with accessibility at any of our council-owned parks or green spaces, please do report this to us.”
