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Roundhay: Disabled man is trapped in house for two years by high kerb
A disabled man says he has been stuck in his Roundhay house for two years because the kerb outside his gate is too high.
Philip Vigdor, 76, uses an electric scooter but says he is housebound as the kerb won't allow his scooter to cross the road to reach the shops.
He said: "I would certainly tipple over in the wheelchair if I tried to dis-mount the kerb to cross."
Despite repeated visits from Leeds highways staff the kerb has not been dropped despite a pledge by council chiefs three years ago to spend 200,000 improving pavements for Leeds wheelchair users.
After a call from the YEP, highways bosses promised to make temporary improvements before permanent work is carried out next year.
Mr Vigdor, of Norton Road, Roundhay, suffers severe arthritis and has stenosis, affecting his spine and nerves.
He said: "I last went out in the scooter two years ago and that was shopping in Gipton.
"I've no freedom to get beyond my gate. The kerb is two inches too high where it meets the actual road. My scooter will not take it.
"I've been stuck in the house for two years, I can't get out beyond my gate because of this problem."
Disability campaigners say many disabled people have to drive their scooters on busy and dangerous roads as they cannot get up and down kerbs.
The Access Committee for Leeds, which campaigns for disabled people, said it was inundated with complaints. Chairman David Littlewood said: "Heavy electric wheelchairs or scooters will tip over if they try to go up or down difficult kerbs. It is an ongoing problem for many people."
A council spokesman said: "Every street in Leeds is inspected on an annual basis and Norton Road's inspection earlier this year revealed improvements were needed.
"This work will take place next year but temporary improvements to the footpath and road will be carried out in the next 28 days which will ensure that Mr Vigdor will be able to safely use the dropped kerb outside his home."
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Friday 18 May 2012
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