Wells residents gathered in front of the town hall on Thursday afternoon, calling for improvements to pavement accessibility for mobility aid users, including those in wheelchairs.

The rally was spurred by findings from the 'Proper Pavements for Wells' survey, which highlighted the challenges people with access needs face in navigating the town.

The survey results show how Wells' current pavement infrastructure falls short for those who rely on mobility aids.

The results found:

• More than 90% of Wells city centre drop kerbs exceed the current maximum government height guidance for drop kerbs
• More than 80 drop kerbs either exceed the government height guidance by more than 100% or are missing
• 35 locations have been identified as presenting high risk of harm, most typically where wheelchair users have no option but to enter traffic
• Routes to nearly all key services are only possible either by joining traffic, or taking very long detours, due to the barriers presented by defective drop kerbs and excessively narrow pavements.

Somerset Council, in response, acknowledged the maintenance challenges across its extensive road network. "With 4,172 miles of roads to cover, the team has to prioritise maintenance," a council spokesperson said.

During the rally, campaigners presented the Proper Pavements for Wells survey to Somerset Council, hoping to catalyse action.

A spokesperson for Somerset Council said: "We're grateful for the work carried out in putting together this comprehensive report and are keen to work with the community and Wells City Council to identify areas of concern.

"Our team does carry out regular inspections across our network, including pavements in towns and villages, but with 4,172 miles of roads to cover, the team has to prioritise maintenance. "However, there may be scope to work in partnership with Wells City Council and the community to identify and action some works more quickly if an approach can be agreed.

"Our team does carry out regular inspections across our network, including pavements in towns and villages, but with 4,172 miles of roads to cover, the team has to prioritise maintenance. However, there may be scope to work in partnership with Wells City Council and the community to identify and action some works more quickly if an approach can be agreed."