A FORMER mayor of Led-bury says he would support a private planning application for permission to install a lift onto the Market House.

Coun Clive Jupp says he has a "sense of shame" that the town council has decided to make no alterations to the building. Instead a barrister has been asked to look at the implications of new disabled access laws.

He said: "For my own part, I have already indicated my willingness to continue to pursue justice for the disabled people who would like to experience the Market House. This would include support for a private planning application if a group were to consider this an appropriate response.

"I believe that the potential beneficiaries of a Market House lift deserve the right of a decision from the planning authority, Hereford-shire Council. If this authority determines it is inappropriate to alter the Market House, then I believe that such a ruling would exhaust our duties under the act."

Coun Jupp, in an open letter to all town councillors, spoke of his disappointment that the authority itself had decided not to put in a planning application.

He added: "I trust I am wrong, but it seemed there was almost an air of triumph when some members commented that a few disabled people might turn up for a couple of meetings, but the council would soon be able to continue as normal."

The council's plan is to use the old Committee Room at its offices if a disabled person plans to attend a meeting. It did examine the case for installing a lift but met with public opposition.

Mayor Keith Francis said: "Anyone can make a planning application, and it's possibly a way forward. Clive has very strong convictions and I have sympathy that we should use the Market House as much as possible."