WORCESTER'S modern police station has been criticised by a campaigner carrying out a national survey into provision for the disabled.

Malvern-born David Hughes, known as Wheelchair Charlie, is travelling the country assessing attitudes to disabled people and the provision of suitable access, parking and other facilities.

He said Worcester's provision was some of the worst he had come across and he was scathing about the new police station.

To get there from the nearest disabled parking in Infirmary Walk, he had to cross busy Castle Street and enter through automatic doors with no audio-visual or tactile warning for blind or partially sighted people.

He said front line staff lacked disability awareness. "I was left standing on my crutches while they made phone calls. No one invited me to sit down and in any case the seats in the reception area are too low and too hard," he said.

"If you are on sticks or crutches you have to fall into the seat and risk hurting your spine."

Mr Hughes, aged 46, suffered spinal injuries in 1990 which have left him unable to walk without crutches and sometimes reliant on a wheelchair. He said no senior officer could be found to talk to him and he plans to file an official complaint to West Mercia Police.

But a spokesman for South Worcestershire Police said disabled facilities were considered when the station was built in 2000-2001.

"The building is approachable by an access ramp, the automatic doors open at a gentle pace to allow everyone ample time to pass through at their own speed, and seating is readily available for visitors in the reception area," he said.

"All officers and staff undergo diversity and equality training, enabling them to respond effectively and positively. Staff training and capability is regulary reviewed, allowing for constructive suggestions and on-going practical improvements."

Mr Hughes also criticised the lack of disabled parking at the Guildhall and Pitchcroft racecourse and Worcestershire Royal Hospital for providing it on a hill.

"There is no proper disabled parking anywhere in Worcester," he said.

"I can't use the multi-storeys because my vehicle is too tall and the on-road parking bays are too cramped to allow for a wheelchair ramp."

Cath Merriman, manager of Worcester DIAL, the Disability Information and Advice Line, said: "We haven't had any complaints about parking in Worcester."