RESPONDING to the letter regarding PIP assessments in Warrington (Warrington Guardian, March 8).

Although I don’t have any complaint regarding the assessment process, I would like to alert you to the assessment centre facilities in our town as being highly unsuitable for assessing people with (in particular) physical disabilities.

I have written to my MP Faisal Rashid and he has agreed to look into it.

I have recently been required to attend the assessment centre for a review as I currently receive PIP due to my restricted mobility (I have muscular dystrophy).

The assessment centre is located at Sutton House consulting rooms.

After receiving my appointment letter I googled the address and was horrified to see that a building with steps (not even a handrail) was deemed appropriate for assessing people with physical disabilities. I then called the contact number and was advised there was a back entrance and a couple of disabled parking spaces.

I attended my assessment with my husband and on arriving found the extremely small car park to be full.

We called the centre again and were advised by the receptionist to leave our car blocking others in as they ‘wouldn’t be leaving before us’.

My husband helped me unload my mobility scooter and we entered the building.

There were ramps provided but limited space to move on my scooter through narrow doorways with no appropriate seating in the waiting room.

The assessor I’m pleased to say was very professional and compassionate and I wouldn’t wish to level any criticism on him.

I consider myself to be in a fortunate position with a wonderful support network of family, friends, work colleagues and the fabulous Neuromuscular centre in Winsford, however, many people required to attend these assessments are not so well supported and among the most vulnerable within our society.

I do agree there is a real need to assess people for PIP but I think it is disgraceful that within a town as large as Warrington this is considered the most appropriate location to undertake these assessments.

The process is stressful enough without adding to it.

SARAH LALIEU Appleton