Residents who rescued a disabled woman thrown from her wheelchair after it hit a pothole want Wiltshire Council to patch up the road in Chippenham.

The woman, in her 40s, fell into the main road after the small wheel at the front of her chair got stuck in a pothole outside the Revolutions restaurant, New Road.

She was helped by members of the public, who lifted her into a sitting position, and two Wiltshire Council traffic wardens, who positioned their car to shield her from passing traffic.

Ed Deedigan, the director of charity Kandu Arts, which is based near the restaurant, was on the opposite side of the road at the time of the accident.

He said: “Two quick-thinking traffic wardens who were passing in their van stopped.

“They jumped out and offered help by calling the paramedics, who thankfully arrived within a short time. Still, the poor woman was sitting in the gutter for close to an hour before a second ambulance arrived. I just happened to notice the woman as it became difficult for her and then, before I knew it, she had started coming off the wheelchair.”

Mr Deedigan, who also works with the GreenSquare disability forum, said it had made him realise the difficulty potholes cause for disabled people. He said: “In this situation the victim took this in good spirit and informed me that it was the third time it had happened to her at various places in Chippenham.

“Imagine how different the outcome could have been had she been more elderly or less resilient. The situation could have been avoided altogether if priority is given to ensuring safe access to pavements for all.”

Town councillor Melody Thompson said: “I was contacted by a Hardenhuish resident who said that he had witnessed a disabled lady being thrown out of her wheelchair into the road.

“I have also recently read in Chippenham social media pages about disabled residents and a mum with a pushchair who don’t want to come into the town centre because they do not feel safe due to the bad state of the roads or pavements.

“The safety of Chippenham residents, particularly disabled residents, should be of paramount importance through well- maintained roads and pavements.”

A Wiltshire Council spokes-man said: “Unfortunately this area had not been reported to our highways team, however we have now been notified by a member of the public and will be out to inspect it as soon as possible.

“If anyone notices any issues with roads or paths they should report it to our Clarence team on 0800 23 23 23.”