DISABILITY access at one of Colchester’s benefits assessment centres is to be improved after months of campaigning.

Employment Support Allowance recipients Ali Wilkins and Jaki Whyte have been lobbying Colchester MP Will Quince and the Minister of State for Disabled People for action.

Ms Wilkins’ petition for better access at Wellington Street gained more than 1,700 signatures.

Now a tweet from Mr Quince has indicated action is imminent.

Ms Wilkins said: “As we haven’t been provided with any details with regard to remedial work being carried out on the building, we’ll want to study those details carefully.

“Has it, for example, taken into consideration the intercom system offers no help to deaf wheelchair and mobility scooter users?

“We can only hope our campaign will do its part to ensure the grown-ups gather round the table and work together where they need to.”

Scathing criticism has been directed at Mr Quince throughout the campaign which had become increasingly political, which intensified when his tweet coincided with an article about the centre being published in the Guardian.

Ali says she stands by her criticisms of his response to the crisis.

Gazette:

Ali Wilkin pictured with a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions

However, the MP has denied trying to take credit for his constituents’ efforts but understands why some people are upset.

He said: “I was just trying to report this was the outcome, it wasn’t about taking credit.

“The good news is the Department for Work and Pensions has accepted accessiblity can be improved and have put a work order in place.”

Disability campaigner Scott Everest was commissioned by Mr Quince to produce an independent report.

By the time the meeting with the DWP went ahead, Mr Quince says officials had already carried out an assessment of the building and the work order was in place.

He said: “It was quite a comprehensive report which highlighted all the issues so not just the centre itself but parking, signage, kerbs and the steps.

“I believe the option being suggested is a portable ramp but there are wider issues to be raised that will fall under the borough and county council’s remit.”

He added: “I’ve requested the Minister or DWP officials have a meeting with Ms Wilkins in Colchester to raise any issues she has but in terms of the assessment process, what should be clear is anyone is entitled to a home visit if they provide evidence from their GP that says it’s required.

“So there are robust protections in place. If they are failing or going wrong, then we need to investigate why.”

The DWP had no further updates on the improvement works.

But a spokesman said: “We’re committed to ensuring disabled people get the support they need.

“All our centres meet legal accessibility requirements, but we can arrange to meet at more accessible sites nearby or discuss whether a home visit would be appropriate.”