Questionnaires are being sent to groups in Ledbury asking their views on access to the Market House, where town council meetings are currently held.

Under the Disability Discrimination Act, which comes into force in 2004/05, providers of public services must ensure, as far as is possible, that access to any public building does not discriminate against disabled people.

Bodies likely to receive a Town Council questionnaire include Ledbury CVS and Age Concern.

Among other questions, the survey will inquire whether a two-way video link should be installed between the Grade I listed building and a room in Ledbury Town Council Offices or elsewhere.

The facility, if practical, would allow disabled people in particular to follow town council meetings without having to climb the winding stairs to the Market House, which is supported on wooden stilts.

But town mayor Clive Jupp warned: "We don't know how practical that is. If we can't do it, we'll have to think again. I have absolutely no idea how much it would cost."

The questionnaire is being compiled by Coun Jupp and Coun John Miles.

A lift for the disabled cannot be installed into the Market House, because of its listed status.

If a solution to disabled access cannot be found, it could soon be impossible for the Market House - the symbol of Ledbury - to be used as a venue for public meetings.