Mobility scooter riders fed up with uneven pavements and a lack of dropped kerbs are calling for access around a Kent town to be improved before somebody gets hurt.

Members of Ashford Scooter Club say it has become a daily struggle getting from A to B because of poorly kept footpaths, countless potholes and cars parked on pavements.

Margaret Pryke, from Willesborough, set up the group just months ago after picking up her first mobility scooter, which has helped give her more independence.

But she has noticed how difficult it can be to navigate her way through Ashford and hopes something can be done to improve access.

"I have met really lovely people through my scooter," she added.

"It really started with Covid. We were shut in for so long that when I got loose, I couldn't stop talking, which is why I started the group.

"What I do object to is the state of some of the footpaths, especially in the high street, and the lack of proper dropped kerbs, because some are too high.

"In the high street and in Country Square we have the added danger of electronic scooters - one nearly knocked me flying the other day.

"If you cross the road, you put your life in anybody's hands.

"Then there's potholes and tufts growing up through the tarmac.

"I'm hoping the council will consider that there are more disabled people using these mobility scooters than ever before and something needs to be done to make paths more accessible."

Gary, who is from Kennington and a member of the club, says one of his scooters was written off because of the damage caused by the lack of drop kerbs.

He also feels e-scooters should be "banned before somebody gets killed" and says people not looking while they're on their phones are also a nuisance.

In south Ashford, Anne Wilson, who has used her scooter since December, would also like to see people change their attitudes towards those who use mobility aids.

"You do get people looking at you, and you can feel the lumps and bumps in all the paths and it feels absolutely awful," the 77-year old added.

"You always get people parking on pavements which means we can't get through; even school children can't get around and have to go in the road.

"I want the council to do something about all this parking on pavements."

Mike Thorne, of Beaver Lane, says tree roots blocking paths is a particular problem near Jemmett Road.

The 74-year-old said: "The closer you get to Beaver Lane there's a tree and the roots have come onto the pavement, so the pavement is not flat any more.

"It's only going to get worse unless something is done about it.

"A lot of pavements need resurfacing but generally I can get to where I need to go."

Geoff Hayes, 76, feels there is "room for a lot of improvement", particularly in Hythe Road and around Willesbrough, where he lives.

South Ashford resident Paul Alan Coley, 74, relies on his scooter to take his dog Peanut for a walk everyday.

He feels Ashford "could do with a few more dropped kerbs" and says "the roads have so many potholes in them", which he would like to see fixed.

A Kent County Council spokesperson said: “Our highways team is firmly committed to supporting disabled people to get about and recognise the challenges people with additional needs face.

“That is why KCC has a Mobility Action Plan, which outlines the measures we are taking to allow greater accessibility to roads and pavements in Kent.

“Our highway stewards regularly inspect our roads and pavements to ensure obstacles are removed and faults, such potholes, are identified. We also work with the Department for Transport to support district and borough councils as required, including where improvements are suggested by residents via Joint Transportation Boards.

“Dropped kerbs are an important part of the pedestrian network and KCC has committed a sum of money to install dropped kerbs where required, according to an agreed set of priorities.

“Additionally, people can visit kent.gov.uk/highways to report problems themselves.”