The "Dispatch" reader who did not wish to be named, explained: "Access for wheelchair users is not easy at the best of times but the facilities in and around Forfar leave a lot to be desired.

"The town is full of pavements that have one access point, therefore it is possible to get up onto a pavement but then impossible to get off, unless going back to the original access point, which would lead you in circles."

The man is only in a wheelchair temporarily after breaking his ankle and while, previously having an insight into the struggles of disability, he never fully appreciated it until now.

"My wife has been in a wheelchair for 17 years so I know how difficult it can be to get around," he commented. "However, it was not until I ended up in a wheelchair myself, after suffering a broken ankle, that I realised how difficult it is to get around, and more importantly, the state of pavements in Forfar with regards to wheelchair accommodation."

He explained: "It is not just getting on and off pavements that is a problem, but successfully controlling a wheelchair on some pavements can be difficult, especially if there is a lamppost or signpost in the middle of what can sometimes be very narrow pathways in the first place.

"This, to me, is another example of rules and regulations being applied with no concern for citizens who seem to be deemed second class.

"Some people seem to think that if an individual is in a wheelchair, they are also mentally handicapped, which is obviously not the case.

"The reason I am talking out is because I am only going to be in a wheelchair for a month or so."

The reader's concerns have again raised issues of access for wheelchair users throughout not just Forfar but towns and cities in general.

"The area around Whitehills is a main problem.," he added. "Access on the pavement around the entrance to the hospital is hindered due to the pavement becoming too narrow. This is a problem at Whitehills Primary School as well, which I find ironic considering such an area would expect prams and buggies, let alone wheelchairs.

"There is further irony in that Whitehills Hospital would obviously be more frequently use to disabled people, yet there appears to be a lack of foresight to address the issue of wheelchair access on the surrounding pavements.

"While I understand that we cannot expect the whole landscape to be changed to accommodate disabled people, might I suggest signposting the area with warnings of bad access for wheelchair users.

"It would also be beneficial to have signposted directions for wheelchairs to cross the road when the pavement gets narrow, as the adjacent pavement is wider and more accommodating.

"I believe I am in a good position to speak out as, again, I am only temporarily disabled therefore I can recognise the problem of disability from both sides. These people are not wanting to sponge off society and it is not their fault they find themselves in their unfortunate position."

Angus Access Panel is an organisation set up to respond to requests for advice on disabled access, and in some cases, visiting premises if required.

Their first chairman was the late Rod McFarlane who was a distinctive campaigner for disabled access issues in Forfar.

A spokesperson for the Panel said: "Angus Access Panel welcomes comments and feedback from members of the public.

"The panel is aware of shortcomings and has ongoing discussions with the council, which is doing its best to improve matters.

"Perhaps the gentleman would like to get in touch with us to help us identify exactly where he thinks the problems are.

We are open four afternoons per week - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - from 2pm to 4pm, and would be happy to see him at any of those times."