AN action group for the disabled has objected to plans to open an extreme sports shop.

Darlington Association on Disability has complained that the planned shop, in the town's Duke Street, does not have access for people in wheelchairs.

Michelle Murphy, of Urban Chaos, has applied to Darlington Borough Council to turn the car rental shop into an outlet selling clothes and accessories for people involved in extreme sports.

Although she is not providing a ramp, like other shop owners in the area, Ms Murphy has written to the council saying she will provide a handrail on steps to the shop.

She also said: "For those people who are unable to get to the shop, we are offering an Internet site and mail order service.

"This will allow 24-hour shopping either on the web or, for those who do not have access, through commercial brochures of our range of products."

Because the proposed shop will open in an existing building, the owners do not have to provide disabled access and the council is recommended to approve the application when it meets tomorrow.