A FORMER official of Dartmouth Conserv­ative Club claims there is a vendetta against her renewing her membership.

Janice Brown, who lives in Lake Street, was a young Conserv­ative in the 1960s who went on to give many hours to the club in Victoria Road where she was secretary for four years.

But her membership lapsed when she suffered a stroke about a year ago and she became housebound.

A recent attempt to rejoin has been blocked by the club.

Janice, who is better known as ‘Chicken Jan’ from the days when she and her husband, Len, ran The Roasting Chicken takeaway in Victoria Road, said she did not understand the club’s decision.

‘I can only assume it has something to do with me wanting them to install a disabled access,’ she said.

‘I am very surprised and disappointed with the archaic and dismissive attitude displayed.

‘I was told it was not possible to put in a conventional lift with doors because the foundations of the building would not take it, but believe there should at least be stair lift. I can’t get up the stairs. But they have no intention of fitting anything. It’s disgustingly wrong.

‘I put a lot into that club and think I did a good job as secretary. Now it appears there is some sort to vendetta against me.’

Janice has written to Prime Minister David Cameron outlining her concerns.

‘The development of my disability came late in life and after many years as a member and several years serving the club’s needs I am now cut off from many friends, the club and organisations, and also my closest local,’ she said in the letter.

‘The idea of finding a new place to socialise, discuss and relax is daunting as I approach my 70s.’

The club has denied Mrs Brown’s claims and said membership would never be rejected on disability grounds.

In a statement, it said: ‘Whilst the club is currently in compliance with all aspects of the Disability Discrimin­ation Act, the committee is always looking at ways to improve the club’s disabled facilities and this is an area which is under constant review. All feedback regarding disabled access is considered by the committee and where financially possible alterations are made to facilitate access to all parts of the building.

‘All membership applications are voted upon by the committee and on this occasion Mrs Brown’s application was unsuccessful.

‘Under the club’s rules she is able to reapply for membership in the future.

‘The club has existing members who are disabled and the committee would never refuse a membership application on the grounds of disability. The committee rejects the allegation which has been made.’