DISABLED and elderly constituents are to get a better chance of seeing their parliamentary representative with the planned relocation of MP Greg Pope's Accrington office.

The MP's Blackburn Road premises, owned by the Hyndburn Labour Party, are on the market for £80,000.

The decision to sell the converted terrace house has come after constituents with mobility problems found it increasingly hard to gain access to the property.

The offices are some distance from Accrington's bus station and entry is gained to the premises by a set of steep steps.

County Councillor Doreen Pollitt, also based in the office, explained: "Mr Pope shares the offices with the Hyndburn Labour Party staff and it is quite cramped, but the real reason that we looked at moving is because there is no disabled access. This has been a problem for some years.

"Mr Pope's staff have been having to go out and meet constituents in their homes, which means they are not getting face-to face meetings with their MP because he is only in the surgery one day a week and has to deal with the people who come there."

New premises have been secured for lease on Abbey Street, Accrington, in the former Abode kitchen shop. The door is straight on to the street meaning wheelchairs can easily be accommodated.

It had been hoped that staff could relocate to the new offices by Christmas but this is now looking unlikely as some construction work is being carried out at the site.

Mr Pope said: "My constituency includes Haslingden as well, making Accrington the mid point.

"I think it is important to have a fully-staffed office right in the heart of Accrington, and one to which all of my constituents can come. The new premises are ideal and we hope to be able to move in soon."

The current offices have yet to sell and are being looked after by Mortimers Estate Agents, who describe the property as offering excellent potential to convert back to a residential property.' The property is three-up, three-down and has a private enclosed yard to the rear.