APPENDIX 3: LETTER TO SDEF FROM TWEEDDALE ACCESS PANEL IN RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION RELEVANT TO THIS STUDY
TWEEDDALE ACCESS PANEL
CHAIRMAN-STEWART REGAN, 7 THE LOANINGS, PEEBLES TEL. 01721 720416
SECRETARY-JANETTE COOK, 4 SOUTH PARKS, PEEBLES TEL. 01721 723191
Dear Wyn
I am writing in response to your letter requesting to identify the needs of disabled people, for Applied Social Science at Stirling University research.
We as a Panel feel disabled people are still experiencing second class service and encountering major problems nationally in the High Streets.
A survey for the D.R.C., of twelve major high streets across the country shows that majority of shops, cafes, restaurants, cinemas and pubs are still problematic for disabled people, many retail outlets have not made substantial improvements to comply with D.D.A. which came into effect on lst October 2004.
It's clear some shops and services are getting their act together for the disabled consumer but there are those who have done little or nothing to prepare for the legislation coming in.
Public Transport: it has a long way to go before it can fully service the disabled public particularly in rural areas, the few accessible buses on our roads are not timetabled on routes they service, you could find yourself with an accessible bus on your outward journey and be stranded for the homeward journey when a stepped platform vehicle turns up, if you are lucky to find an accessible bus there will be no restraints fitted for wheelchair users.
Demand responsive transport initiatives are crucial, better disability awareness training for all transport staff nationwide needed now!
If you can't use public transport it means your chances of getting and maintaining a job, accessing health care, seeing your friends and family and leading a normal life are significantly reduced.
I do hope the issues raised will be constructive to you and whoever you may pass this on to.
Yours sincerely
Stewart Regan