Ref. 14080/3AN 86-YEAR-OLD disabled man from Trowbridge was left stranded in his home when workmen blocked off his route to the shops.

George Smith, of Upper Broad Street Court, relies on a motorised scooter for his daily trips into the town centre.

But his regular route was cut off when builders started work on a housing development in The Conigre and erected steel fences.

Recruiting the help of ward town councillor Tom James, Mr Smith hoped for a swift solution.

But despite repeated calls to Wiltshire County Council's Highways department, Cllr James was forced to seek help from an unlikely source the chief executive's secretary Jean Potter who had temporary ramps installed within days.

Mr Smith said he was forced to ride his scooter against the traffic flow to get to the shops.

He said: "Before the ramps were put in I found it very, very dangerous. I was stranded for about a month.

"It wasn't a big job. I like to go into town every day for a coffee or a pint but I couldn't do it.

"I find myself in this situation quite a bit when all the building work starts-up."

Town councillor Tom James said he was amazed at the attitude of highway officers who failed to act telling him they had no money and Mr Smith's request would have to go on the end of a long list. Cllr James said: "I kept saying this was an important problem needing to be sorted out straight away. They didn't see the importance or the need for urgency."

Builders from Newland Homes installed two temporary asphalt ramps on The Conigre earlier this month following the intervention of Mrs Potter.

A spokesman for Wiltshire County Council said: "We are pleased we have been able to resolve the problem."