The closure of pedestrian crossings in Wimbledon has turned the town centre into a death trap for the blind and disabled, it has been claimed.

As roadworks continue to wreak havoc, three permanent crossings between Worple Road and Queens Road are out of order.

Wayne Busbridge, 49, who is blind, warned Merton Council the vulnerable and disabled risk serious injury each time they try to reach the station.

The authority admitted the situation “was not ideal” although it claimed the signals would be reinstated early next month.

But Mr Busbridge said: “All the closures mean you are basically taking your life into your own hands crossing the road.

“I thought the local authority had a duty of care to everyone using the town centre.

“Most people see the roadworks and think it’s a mess, but it’s disgraceful a complete lack of planning is endangering the safety of many people.

“It’s not just the blind who are affected, but the disabled and elderly too.”

Merton Council’s deputy leader Councillor Mark Betteridge said: “We appreciate the situation is less than ideal, but it is only temporary.

“We are on schedule to reinstate the traffic and pedestrian signals outside the station in early October.

“We are working with Southern Gas Networks to minimise any potential further disruption and are therefore completing all essential works now.

“This includes the new gas mains Southern Gas Networks is installing.”

In addition to the gas works, refurbishment will see the area outside Wimbledon station bulldozed, taking the period of disruption in the town centre to more than two years.

But Merton Chamber of Commerce claim the improvements are vital if Wimbledon is to remain a competitive shopping district.

Its chief executive, Diana Sterck, said: “It is frustrating but hopefully, despite the complaints, Wimbledon will see real gains in the future.

“It’s also worth pointing out footfall in the town centre has remained high as the works have gone on.”