LABOUR Parliamentary Candidate, Steve Parry-Hearn, has launched a blistering attack on Forest of Dean MP Mark Harper, in a row about disabled access to High Streets.

The MP, who is Minister for the Disabled, unveiled a survey last week that outlines the fact that only a significant percentage of shops and restaurants have no sort of access for disabled people - which includes Mr Harper's own Constituency Office on Cinderford High Street.

The shop, to which the MP moved his office on the High Street, has two steps to reach the door.

In an open letter to Mr Harper, Steve Parry-Hearn quoted Mr Harper's own statement on the survey, which read: "Everyone deserves to go Christmas shopping or enjoy a festive meal or drink with their friends or colleagues. Disabled people are no exception.

"I am calling on the retail and hospitality industry to look at what more they can better do to cater for disabled people."

Mr Parry-Hearn responded: "I note with concern your comments about disabled access to shops in the High Street across the UK, but must question your comments in the light of the fact that your own constituency office is entirely inaccessible by disabled people, particularly those in wheelchairs, wheeled walking frames, and those with visual impairments.

"This is disgraceful hypocrisy."

The survey, which was generated by access-centred group DisabledGo, found that 25 per cent of shops and restaurants offered no disabled access.

Mr Harper said: "Any constituent who wants to contact me can use either the phone or e-mail to reach my office. If any wish to meet me to discuss an issue in person at a surgery, then I hold these on a regular basis in accessible venues around the constituency.

"A small proportion of constituents call at the office in Cinderford in person. If a wheelchair user was to do so, then we do have a ramp available."