Urgent plea made by disabled campaigner in Littlehampton

The Arun Access Group, based in Littlehampton, fights to improve accessibility in shops, streets and public areas for those with physical disabilities.

The organisation, which meets at Dove Lodge, in Beach Road, every month, has ambitious plans to undertake a wide-ranging survey of Littlehampton and Rustington this year, to find out how to improve facilities for disabled people.

However, these plans hinge on more volunteers coming forward to bolster the group’s numbers.

Mike Clough, of Heo Green, Wick, is the chairman of organisation. For years he has suffered from a range of crippling ailments, including diabetes and arthritis, leaving him struggling to walk more the 50 yards, unaided.

Mr Clough, 65, said: “I’ve had to have bones removed from my feet. I have nerve damage on my lower legs, arthritis in both knees and I’m insulin-dependent.

“Being disabled changed my opinion on disability problems. It’s a different world that I never really knew about. If I am doing something I sometimes cut my hands and my legs and I don’t even know because my nerves are damaged.

“I have to use my mobility scooter and sometimes I can’t get around certain stores, or through aisles in shops because there are displays and things blocking it up. It can be really hard.”

For more details about the group’s plea, and how to support it, see this week’s Littlehampton Gazette (Thursday, March 6).