Concerns have been raised over the rights of Budleigh Salterton s disabled visitors who use a seafront shelter earmarked for demolition.

Concerns have been raised over the rights of Budleigh Salterton's disabled visitors who use a seafront shelter earmarked for demolition.

Some objectors to the proposed Longboat caf� development are accusing the district council of discrimination against disabled people - claiming the loss of the Marine Parade shelter, which would be knocked down if the members next Tuesday pass plans to build a seafront restaurant - would disadvantage wheelchair users.

Many opposed to the application to demolish the Longboat Caf� and district council-owned shelter to make way for a state-of-the-art seafront restaurant are concerned the loss to disabled visitors has not been taken on board by the district council.

Many say the discussion needs to be held next Tuesday, when the development management committee debates the application to demolish the shelter and Longboat Caf� to make way for the proposed restaurant.

They believe the council should take on board residents' views when discussing the sale of a publicly-owned asset.

The objectors say they fear debating the transfer of the shelter at a later date would result in a break-down in communication within different council departments.

And fears have been raised over a lack of funding for a new shelter.

A Budleigh Salterton resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "Many Budleigh Salterton residents have written to EDDC to protest.

"They have drawn attention to the use of its upper deck by people with mobility problems, but to no avail.

"Disability has no mention in the case officer's report to members.

"A Disability Impact Assessment - to determine whether such loss will disadvantage wheelchair users and others - won't be carried out until another committee of EDDC decides to transfer ownership of the shelter to the owners of the cafe.

"The issue of equality will not be discussed at the meeting on the 1st June, despite all the pious pledges in EDDC's Equality Policy."

East Devon District Council was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.