A father and son are considering starting a fund to improve access to Headington Library for the elderly and disabled.

Nicholas Newman, 44, and Dr Roland Newman, 77, of Old Headington, are angry that the library in Bury Knowle Park has no disabled access and the stairs are too steep for many elderly people to climb.

They are thinking of raising money to buy a ramp or another mobility device themselves.

Nicholas Newman said: "Each time I go to the library I am asked to help elderly people up the steps. Mums with kids, prams and buggies have problems getting in.

"Nothing has happened for the last 10 years, the county and city councils just keep discussing it.

"It's another example of a lack of joined up thinking.

"I don't believe this nonsense about them not having enough money, they waste all this money on disasters like Cornmarket.

"In the time they have been taking having meetings they could have had two workmen putting a ramp up.

"They don't seem to care about Headington, we always seem to be neglected -- I get the feeling they can't be bothered.

"If politicians can't get their fingers out then we will have to start a voluntary fund ourselves."

Headington city councillor Stephen Tall said: "The stairs are very steep and they are not easy for anybody to get up. Anyone with a pushchair or pram, wheelchair or walking difficulties is instantly excluded from using the library.

"The council does have money to improve libraries. There is £2,000 that has been put aside for improvements to the library. It's something I have been asking about for some time, so I can understand the frustrations."

He added: "For about a year the county council put off doing any work to improve the building because they weren't sure if they were going to keep the lease and they didn't want to do the work if they weren't staying in the building.

"Now this has been resolved they have no excuse to put off doing something."

County Librarian Caroline Taylor said: "The library is based in an old listed building owned by the city council. We're aware of the difficulties for people with disabilities in terms of access and have had ongoing talks with the city about making improvements.

"However, the constraints of the building mean that a solution is problematic.

"Headington Library has been identified as a high priority for improved services.

"We shall continue to work with our colleagues at the city council to see what improvements can be made.

"If people for any reason find the library difficult to use, we will help wherever we can in offering an alternative service."

To contact the Newmans about their campaign, call 01865 762710 or email editor@oxfordprospect.co.uk