Two new wheelchair-friendly footpaths could be built at an Upton car park.
Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) wants to build “fully accessible” paths connecting Hanley Road car park to the town centre and to Warner’s supermarket.
It says the proposal comes after listening to the concerns of residents.
The plan is for a wheelchair-friendly path to provide access to Warner’s on Hanley Road, while a second would run between the car park and toilets and Hanley Road, enabling access to and from Upton town centre.
Since Warner’s opened in 2020, shoppers have been using a gap in the boundary wall to the adjacent car park, which is designed for emergency use at times of flooding.
This short-cut means shoppers are using an unsurfaced access and crossing the busy car park entrance, which is used by coaches, cars and HGVs that service the household waste site.
This is creating a health and safety issue for both Warner’s and the council.
Paths will be funded by council and Warner's
Following advice, MHDC is proposing installation of a ramp that complies with the disability legislation and accesses Hanley Road, where views for both pedestrians and car park traffic are clearer.
The second path provides a direct, level access to Hanley Road toilets and via ramps to the car park.
The ramp and path will cost £22,000 and will be funded by MHDC, with a contribution from Warner’s. The proposal will be considered by the council’s executive committee at its meeting on February 14.
READ MORE: Supermarket reopens in town after flooding forces five day closure
Cllr Peter Whatley, portfolio holder for resources at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We have understood the concerns of people who regularly use Hanley Road car park.
“If approved, the installation of these paths to the store will make a real difference to the residents of Upton.”
Warner’s was forced to close last month because of rising flood water on Hanley Road.
The store was closed for five days from Saturday, January 14 and thanked customers for their patience.
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