A LOCAL authority may be reported to the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) over a flagship footbridge that is impossible for anyone in a wheelchair to cross.

Blaenau Gwent AM Peter Law said it is "absolutely absurd" that the £500,000 St Paul's footbridge, which spans 35m over a railway line and the Cwm by-pass which is under construction, has a steep flight of steps on both sides.

The bridge was designed by artist Andrew Rowe in collaboration with Capita Gwent Consultancy and was completed at the beginning of May. Mr Law said he was prepared to refer the issue to the DRC if Blaenau Gwent county borough council did not amend the design.

Under the terms of Disability Rights Commission Act 1995, due for implementation in October of this year, all business and services to the public have to meet the needs of disabled people.

"Somebody along the way has made a very big mistake and it is not good because it undermines the whole Cwm by-pass scheme," said Mr Law. "This is a landmark bridge that is very expensive. It stands out in the valley and I very much welcome it but it is very unfortunate that disabled people or mothers with pushchairs will be unable to use it.

"The design does not conform to the Disability Discrimination Act and I have asked the council to do something about it. If they don't then I will go to the Disability Rights Commission because in 2004, it is pretty incredible that something like this can happen."

Alun Thomas for the Disability Rights Commission said: "Quite clearly there is a problem here with the footbridge and it is quite possible that a disabled individual may wish to challenge the local authority after October 2004 when the Disability Discrimination Act is fully implemented."

A spokeswoman for Blaenau Gwent county borough council said: "A group has been convened to investigate the issues regarding the bridge."