Wells has been named one of the UK's most accessible cities—but disabled residents say the reality on the ground tells a very different story.​

In a national study by Oak Tree Mobility, Wells ranked second out of 75 UK cities for accessible public toilets and Blue Badge parking spaces per capita. The report, based on data from the Great British Public Toilet Map and BlueBadgeParking.com, found that Wells offers 3.8 accessible toilets and 3.8 accessible parking spots per 10,000 people—just behind Ely in Cambridgeshire. ​

But campaigners say these numbers don't reflect the lived experience of disabled people in the city.​

Brian Clarke, a Wells resident with motor neurone disease, has been fighting for change after he and fellow campaigners uncovered serious flaws in the city's pavements. Alongside Theo van Hensbergen and Bob Payne, he co-authored a 60-page report revealing that 90% of dropped kerbs in the city centre fail to meet legal standards, 35 high-risk locations and that wheelchair users frequently need to make journeys 10 times longer than able-bodied people.

More than 1,400 people – roughly the same number as Blue Badge holders in the city – have backed their petition demanding urgent fixes.

Accessible Wells is now actively working to deliver sixteen targeted improvement projects and eight development projects.​

These include tackling dog fouling, which poses serious hazards for wheelchair users and blind residents; addressing the shortage and poor placement of disabled parking spaces; and pushing for reasonable adjustments to improve access to local businesses.​

They are also working to stop vehicles blocking pavements, reduce obstructions from café furniture and advertising boards, and improve the provision of accessible public toilets.​

Other priorities include making bus stops suitable for wheelchair access, improving access to footpaths, creating more opportunities for inclusive sport, and encouraging local employers to offer fair and supported employment opportunities for disabled people.​

Meanwhile, Oak Tree Mobility's report shows that disabled people and older shoppers are being pushed off the high street across the UK—and it's costing everyone.​

Their research found UK town centres are missing out on a staggering £267 million every month because of poor access. Parking problems and a lack of toilets were named as the biggest barriers by people with mobility issues. ​

Verity Kick from Oak Tree Mobility said: "Accessible high streets are essential—not just for wellbeing, but for the economy too. These are people who still prefer to shop in person, but they're being locked out."​

She added: "Digital services can't replace the simple, human interactions that make a community. Whether it's a friendly shopkeeper or a local café, these are lifelines for many older adults."​

In Wells, the Accessible Wells campaign has now become a Community Interest Company and has laid out a clear strategy with 16 improvement projects—from fixing pavements and providing better toilets to tackling vehicle obstructions and making public transport more accessible.​

Now they're calling on Somerset Council to deliver and to make Wells not just one of the best cities on paper—but one that truly works for everyone who lives here.