DISABILITY laws could force Chepstow town council out of its historic home. The landmark Gatehouse on High Street - parts of which date back to 1517 - has been used by local government since the 1880s, but now falls foul of Disability Discrimination Act guidelines.

The Act states service providers have a duty to remove any potential obstacles to all disabled people. It takes effect in October 2004.

The stairs to the first floor council offices and chambers are unsuited to disabled access or the emergency evacuation of wheelchair users.

At a special meeting councillors were told the town council lacks the funds or the space to put in a stair lift or other measures, and so must consider moving elsewhere. Councillor Pam Birchall said: "It's a very difficult decision and we all know that we are losing a sense of history.

"Money wouldn't help. There just isn't the room in the existing building to make the changes."

The possible move endangers the futures of tenants: the ground-floor Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), the third floor probation service and local interest groups.

Monmouthshire council recommends Chepstow council share office space with the CAB and hold their public meetings in alternative places, such as the nearby senior citizen's centre.

But Chepstow council was not supportive, saying this option still left them with potentially high maintenance costs of the damp-prone Gatehouse.

Councillor Henry Hodges criticised suggestions to move to former Monmouthshire offices at High Trees, off Steep Street, saying they were too far from the town centre and would discourage visitors.

He said the Gatehouse was on a lease from Monmouthshire until 2028 and that even if the council could get out of the arrangement, it may have to spend a lot of money renovating the building before moving out and handing it back.

Sylvia Gilbert, chairman of disability campaigners Contact Act Inform Represent, said: "The disability act says the council has to do what is reasonable and practical to improve access.

"They are very necessary laws and well overdue. Disabled people want the same treatment as everybody else.

"This act will affect a lot of people, including shop owners." Chepstow council plans to meet to discuss the matter further.

PICTURED: Town council clerk Sandra White outside the Gatehouse, Chepstow.