A Second World War veteran whose wheelchair was damaged on a recent visit to Douglas has received a new one from the construction company involved.

Joyce Cooper, aged 69, wrote to the Isle of Man Examiner earlier this month to report her experience attempting to navigate the works on Douglas promenade while on the island with her husband Brian and father Alan King.

Mr King, who is 97 years old, is a D-Day veteran who served with the East Riding Yeomanry as a radio operator in Sherman tanks, and is dependent on the use of a wheelchair to get around.

The new pavements in the construction areas on the promenade were described as very high, and she noted a lack of dropped curbs.

Mrs Cooper criticised both Douglas Council and Auldyn Construction Limited, but praised the ’very understanding kind local people’.

She said: ’Although in very small print we were warned of promenade roadworks, nothing could have prepared us for the horrendous nightmare which we were about to face.

’I found the new paving incredibly high and problematic to ascend and descend with a wheelchair occupied by a vulnerable adult.

’Needless to say we found the whole seafront at Douglas a complete mess, designed by those who would appear to be clueless regarding disability.’

In response, Colas (IoM) Limited stepped up to provide a new wheelchair for Mr King.

Auldyn Construction, who are the contractors working on the new promenade, are part of the Colas group of companies.

The wheelchair was bought from NBR Scooter Brokers Limited in Diss in Norfolk.

Mrs Cooper said: ’[My father] was delighted to take ownership of a brand-new wheelchair to replace his own, which was damaged navigating the road works and high pavement kerbs on Douglas sea front whilst on holiday in the Isle of Man.

’My father would like to sincerely thank Clive Callister, managing director of Colas (IoM), and Auldyn Construction, who generously stepped in as a goodwill gesture, to replace the damaged wheelchair, after the local council highways department appeared to abdicate responsibility and liability.’

She added: ’Thank you also to your readers, who sent messages of goodwill, and to Nigel Rosenfeld and his staff at NBR Scooter Brokers Ltd in Norfolk for their helpfulness.’