A former Swindon lorry driver who now needs a wheelchair to get about has called on businesses, councils and MPs to band together to make the town more accessible for the disabled.

Mark, 53, who has suffered from MS for 15 years contacted the Adver after a top five list of places recommended for a visit by TripAdvisor was published.

He found that only two of the five would be fully accessible to him after ringing around.

READ MORE: Five disabled friendly places to visit in Swindon

This got him thinking about the other problems he faces on a daily basis when trying to navigate steep slopes, pavements without drop kerbs, shops and businesses with steep steps and using the loo in pubs and restaurants without disabled facilities.

He is particularly concerned about reaching the Fleming Way bus stops.

He said: “From the Debenhams side if you are facing the underpass, there are two choices to push yourself up, if you look to left or to the right you have the choice of two very steep slopes to push yourself up, I must say people sometimes offer assistance.

On the other side it’s very hard to stop yourself running away on the downward side into the underpass.

“It will not be long before a pedestrian is knocked over.

“I hope the planned new Bus Boulevard will take this into consideration if it is built.”

He believes Swindon MPs could do more to champion accessibility and has added his voice to the on-going row over the closure of Swindon Museum and Art Gallery. One of the issues raised by Swindon Borough Council is the lack of disabled access to the listed front entrance.

He said: “I hope accessible legislation will not be used as an excuse not to reopen it, the council could twist a good law for a bad use.

But he is full of praise for some employees in restaurants and bars who have gone out of their way to help him.

He said: “It was many years ago but I do remember a a group of waiters moving a chest freezer to let me use a toilet in their restaurant in Victoria Road, it must be different now and I don’t remember the restaurant name.

“Again things may have changed but the few times I’ve been to the Vic pub for live music, they are very helpful in letting me use a side entrance as there are stairs down to the venue.”

He also praised Swindon Railway Station for help given to him to board a train.

He said: “They like you to ring ahead but they are extremely helpful and there will be someone waiting at the other end to help you off as well.”