A WHEELCHAIR-BOUND Barnoldswick man says disabled access in the town is "horrendous".

And he told the Herald businesses are totally unprepared for new rules on access for the disabled which come into force next year.

Jack Parsons, 48, of Esp Lane, warned that many small businesses and other premises offering services to the public could be affected by the new legislation.

It comes into force under the Disability Discrimination Act, which aims to give disabled people better access to goods and services.

From October 24 the Act states that service providers will have to consider making reasonable adjustments to their premises to overcome physical barriers to access.

Anyone who provides a service to the public is classed as a service provider, although there are a few exceptions including private clubs where there is a proper selection process for members and transport.

Mr Parsons, who was confined to a wheelchair more than three years ago after an accident at work, found out about the legislation during his eight-month long treatment at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield.

He said access for disabled people around Barnoldswick was "horrendous", describing how he had to knock on the window of his local chemist and wait for them to bring out his prescriptions because he could not negotiate the access.

He also struggled entering his doctor's surgery, dentists and opticians.

"Even when I'm trying to see my MP in the civic hall here, I cannot get in," said Mr Parsons.

Commenting on the new legislation, he added: "All of a sudden it will just come along.

"In about four to six months time local authorities will say that companies need to do this and that."

Pendle Council spokesman Sarah Lee said local authorities were not the enforcing body for this disabled access legislation,

She said it was civil rights legislation and complaints about individual service providers would have to be made to the Disability Rights Commission.

"Pendle Council will, however, enforce the building regulations," she added. "A new version will come into force on May 1 2004, which will require additional access provision to new buildings and buildings being extended."

Stephen Demaine, chairman of Barnoldswick Chamber of Trade, said the issue of disabled access was due to be discussed at the group's next meeting in January.

Mr Demaine, who runs the shop Budgetique in Barnoldswick Town Square, said he was currently looking into what alterations he would have to make to his business premises under the new rules.

Anyone wanting further information can call the Disability Rights Commission helpline on 08457 622633 or send a letter to DRC Helpline, FREEPOST, MIDO2164, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 9BR.