A prisoner in his own home

Harold Mason, of Arthington Lawns, Pool-in-Wharfedale, can only get about by using an electric wheelchair - but he has found that almost impossible since he moved from Otley two years ago because the kerbs are too high for him to negotiate.

Mr Mason, 77, said: "I am fortunate in having an electric scooter which I hoped when I came to Pool would allow me to move around easily as it did in Otley.

"It doesn't and I am as much a prisoner as if I was housebound. It does not completely stop me, but it is difficult to get about. Leeds City Council need to take into account smaller villages like Pool, which tend to be forgotten with this sort of thing.

"From my home I can cross Arthington Lane with difficulty and ride on the pavements as far as the school, to the west and eastwards, up to about 100 yards from the Wharfedale Pub.

"At both places I am held up by kerbs that are too high for me. If I risk 'thumping' down the kerbs I find it impossible to climb up the opposite side - and it is risking life and limb to cross the roads in Pool anyway."

Mr Mason, of Arthington Lawns, said he recently tried to visit a friend in Old Pool Bank but found it impossible.

With difficulty, he made his way onto the Mill Estate and across Church Lane. He negotiated a narrow pavement along Main Street and then found a lamppost blocking his way. He had to reverse back because there was no room to turn around.

"There was nothing I could do except admit defeat and return home by the same tortuous route, my mission unfulfilled and my temper somewhat shortened," he said.

A Leeds City Council spokesman said: "We are aware that there are problems with access for disabled people in Pool-in-Wharfedale and we have already begun to work with the Parish Council to look at ways in which facilities might be improved."

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