Merry Hill in service row

Merry Hill has become a no-go zone for some disabled shoppers after a wheelchair service from the bus station was withdrawn, it is claimed.

Complaints were made to owners Westfield on relocation of wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

They were formerly at the main bus stop but disabled shoppers say it has made it almost impossible for them to get around the shopping centre at Brierley Hill – one of the biggest in Europe

Ann Hill, aged 72, and her disabled husband Rodger, 70, of Fairfield Drive, Halesowen, are angry.

Mrs Hill said: "It used to be that we could get off the bus, Rodger could get straight into a wheelchair or scooter and off we went before dropping it back when we got back on the bus.

"Now we have to walk the length of the shopping centre to Shop Mobility to pick up a wheelchair, which can take up to 40-minutes for Rodger who has to rest along the way.

"Then we have to drop the chair back and walk the same distance again back to the bus station."

Complaints have also been made to the Health Care Forum and Dudley Disability Forum which is now looking into the problem.

The complaints are the latest against Westfield who were criticised this week by a Breast Cancer Support group which moved out of Merry Hill saying it was being forced to move its meeting timeslot after seven-years.