On a recent phone in on BBC Radio Sheffield, Toby Foster asked one of the big questions for disabled people on access and whether South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire is accessible for disabled people.
When asked about what he felt about access for wheelchair users and scooter users in South Yorkshire our very own Andrew Crooks turned the question around, he put it to listeners how non-disabled people would feel if coming out their front door and they are met by a brick wall barring their access to their street? Andrew said, bq. “for many disabled people in Sheffield and South Yorkshire this is just what life is like. Trying to be independent as a disabled person one is met with so many barriers on a day to day basis. These barriers are what make us disabled not our impairment and local authorities, in terms of the built environment, roads and pavements are the ones who can make a real difference by taking away these barriers”. Listen to more of what Andrew was saying right here Andrew on TF Access .
It is worth noting that Sheffield will be improving access to the built environment through it’s major city-wide highways maintenance project called Streets Ahead that will upgrade the condition of our city’s roads, pavements, street lights, bridges and other items on or around our streets (what the council call street scene).
We understand the majority of the work will take place in the first 5 years (2012 – 2017) of a 25 year contract where Sheffield Council will be upgrading two thirds of the city’s roads.
This is all very much welcome for disabled people but there has to be a more immediate plan to help disabled people now where they identify problems when getting about.
If you are finding things difficult please do let us know as there are channels we can raise these issues for disabled people. At the same time you may want to engage your local councillor and/or your MP in order to try and reach a solution (click on the highlighted text to find you elected representatives). Alternatively, contact Sheffield City Council via First Point on Telephone number 0114 273 4567, then select option 1 for roads and street lighting, or other environmental services. You should select option 6 to find out who your local elected representatives are in the Ward in which you stay.
Amey is the contractor delivering the Streets Ahead upgrades please visit the Streets Ahead pages on the council’s website to see what and when upgrades are happening across Sheffield. You can also ask the council about Streets Ahead via Email streetsahead@sheffield.gov.uk
Please feel free to leave your comments about your experiences of access around the roads and pavements and the built environment where you live.
