Since the introduction of new legislation in 2006, there has been a legal duty on all public sector organisations to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people.

But Selby Valuing People Partnership chairman Gavin Harding believes the town centre is failing to meet new government standards.

One key complaint relates to Selby Railway Station, where the only way to platforms two and three is over a bridge accessed by steps or via a barrow crossing over the tracks. Disabled travellers have to ask ticket office staff to open the gates and escort them safely across, which can take 20 minutes if the station is busy.

Gavin said: "The ticket office closes at 8pm and I've heard of one disabled traveller having to carry on to Leeds and get a train back to Selby just to get off at the right side of the tracks."

And he added the £250,000 planned improvements for the station didn't include extra disabled facilities. "They're building a car park near platforms two and three for easier access but the ticket office, buffet and disabled toilets will still be on platform one. Harrogate, Skipton and Scarbrough stations are all installing lifts, but Selby isn't even being considered.

Other concerns in the town included a lack of dropped kerbs near key facilities such as the Scott Road Medical Centre and on routes to the main post office, minimal disabled parking in front of Selby Abbey and poor access to the historic church for wheelchair users.

Gavin said: "Even where there are dropped kerbs, there's not always enough space for disabled people to get on the pavement and manoeuvre their wheelchair. New developments need to be disability-friendly for visitors so they can come and enjoy Selby."