People have been urged to share their views on how Watford town centre could be more accessible for disabled people ahead of a public meeting.

Disability Watford will be holding a meeting at the town hall at 2pm on Thursday, March 15.

Residents are encouraged to speak up about any issues regarding disabled access in the town centre – particularly as it is currently undergoing major redevelopment.

Members of the public have since got in touch with the Observer to voice their concerns about the levels of disabled parking and some shops not letting in assistance dogs.

Commenting on Facebook, Observer reader Denise Worrell said: “There are far too many advertising boards outside shops which block half the pavement.”

Reader Deirdre Webber added: “I’m on crutches and the uneven paths and barriers due to the building works make it far more difficult to get anywhere.”

Thelma Chowles Fas was concerned about being unable to park if she is unable to find a space allocated for blue badge holders.

Anne Mathews worried about her safety. She said: “I’m more concerned about how close a taxi will be for me, plus I would not walk round the back into Wellstones on my own.”

One commenter also mentioned smaller shops banning guide dogs from entering.

Cllr Karen Collett, who is responsible for community at the council, said: “Improving the accessibility of Watford town centre is an absolute priority and is one of the main reasons we’re carrying out such major improvements to High Street.

These will declutter High Street, widen the pavements and massively reduce the traffic coming through the town centre. This will benefit everyone, including people with disabilities. With the increased space, cyclists and pedestrians can share the town centre much more harmoniously.

“In terms of disabled parking, we have increased the number of bays to six overall – these are full-time bays, unlike the old ones which had restricted times, and they are a stone’s throw from High Street. Plus there are around 150 disabled parking bays available in the town centre car parks. But we mustn’t forget that the improvements are taking place to benefit everyone, including people with disabilities who don’t drive as well as those who do.

"We have introduced a new, dedicated taxi rank just behind Wellstones, where blue badge holders will also find two additional new blue badge bays. This is in addition to the current taxi rank just opposite M&S next to St Mary’s Church. Don’t forget that we have Shop Mobility which we are very proud of and it is free of charge to use for people who have mobility issues. We do appreciate that there is quite a bit of disruption in the town centre at the moment, but the long term gains are huge and come September we will all enjoy the improved, more spacious high street.

“I was really shocked by reports about small shops not letting in assistance dogs. This is absolutely not on so please do contact the council if you experience anything like this. This is something I will also discuss with Disability Watford in my monthly meetings with them.”