Reporter Adrian Kwintner has highlighted the plight of the disabled in Sussex, using an electric wheelchair to explore Worthing centre and Brighton and Hove.

Able-bodied Adrian, who works for The Argus, ventured out onto the streets after figures supplied to the Audit Commission revealed that disabled people are being denied full access to three-quarters of council buildings in Worthing and half of those in Brighton and Hove.

Local authority buildings include offices, leisure centres, swimming pools and concert halls.

Adrian decided to find out how broad the problem really was, and found that pedestrians were an immediate stumbling block.

He also found shop signs were a problem and parked cars blocked the view of oncoming traffic.

Train stations were much better, with the exception of narrow ramps used to escort wheelchair users on and off the carriages.

But the shopping experience in both towns was hampered by a lack of drop kerbs, bumps, heavy doors and steps.

Adrian said: “Many shops with steps did not even stock a ramp.

“Wheeling myself round Churchill Square, which seemed to be designed with the wheelchair user in mind, could not have proved more of a contrast to the historic Lanes, where narrow streets, alfresco dining and tiny shops conspired to take the smile off my face.” Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or e-mail [email protected]