WELCOME TO THIS WEB SITE WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THE CONTENT.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US.
For Accessibilty options please click: www.bbc.co.uk/accessibility
The AGM took place on the 16th March 2010.
See "Contact Us for Details of all Group meetings.
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20th August 2010
The Access Group has responded to the Licensing Rebalancing Consultation.
We are asking that a Fifth Licensing Objective, “ACCESS” which at present is not a requirement, is included in all applications.
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/consultations/cons-2010-licensing-act/
Intended audience: The public, people who work in pubs, clubs, supermarkets and shops, criminal justice agencies, licensing authorities, trade associations.
Reference number: Rebalancing the Licensing Act
Issued: 28 Jul 2010
Opening date: 28 Jul 2010
Closing date: 08 Sep 2010
How to respond
Respond online
Respond now by filling in our online form
Email: Alcohol.consultation@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
If you are disabled or have a family member who is please take the time to respond to this consultation as changes need to be made and this will only be achieved if we voice our opinion.
Let us all work to ensure an inclusive society.
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17th July 2010
Thinking of organising an event click below for a comprehensive guide
Organising Accessible Events.pdf
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14th July 2010
There were many "new ideas" thought out by the previous government some good some bad. This government seems to be trimming and cutting away much of what would have been beneficial to many disabled people.
Please Read On.
Central Bedfordshire Council are bringing in a: -
“Fairer Charging Policy”
Your opinion and comments are important and we ask you to respond.
“We are inviting you to respond to our consultation on charging for non-residential services within adult social care.
Central Bedfordshire is working towards giving people more choice and control over the support they receive to enable them to live as independently as possible. This means that we need to think differently about how we charge people for the services and support they receive.
We want to make sure that our Fairer Charging policy is fair and reasonable and everyone pays what they can afford based on their income and savings. We would like your help to make sure we charge people appropriately.
Please use the following link to access this consultation.
http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/consultations/default.aspx
You will find a copy of the consultation document and questionnaire for you to complete. Your answers will help us make some decisions about how we work things out fairly.
All responses to this consultation must be received by 5pm on Friday 10th September 2010.
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me or Ramone Nurse on 0300 300 8000.
Yours faithfully
Joanne Bellamy
Policy and Performance Officer”
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22nd June 2010
For those who read the article in the BOS on Sunday, 20th June I wish to put the record straight. A reporter phoned to ask if the paper could do an indepth article on a letter I had sent to the editor for publication. The article that was published ignored many issues and facts as you will see from the original letter.
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor
The quality of life for disabled people is being hampered by thoughtless service providers and those in a position to make a difference ignoring or finding a reason not to implement the legislation regarding access to services.
There are licensed premises in Bedfordshire which are impossible for disabled people to access, barriers such as steps when a ramp could be put in place, a hand rail to assist those with mobility problems and toilets which do not meet the standards necessary for the ambulant disabled and wheelchair users to access the facility.
The Central Beds Access Group has over the past few months received concerns from members of the public who when taking advantage of the warm weather find the venue they attend is not suitable due to barriers that should or could be removed or adapted. This affects not just the disabled person but the family and friends who often just want to have a good day out and often return home disappointed and let down.
The Access Group has started to raise the awareness of poor access to licensed clubs pubs and venues and so far the Good Access Guide has published our campaign and the Disability News Service has also come on board.
We have also received letters from many parts of the country where the problem is allowed to go on due to the failure of local authorities in carrying out their Specific Duty regarding Public Functions one of which is the issuing of Licenses.
I am asking residents of Bedfordshire to take the time to contact the Access Group with their horror stories. Contact details can be found on our website,
www.centralbedsaccessgroup.co.uk.
Disability often strikes unrepentantly, the Disability Discrimination Act has been operating as a Law since 1995 and yet those who could and should be ensuring it is implemented are hoping the complaints will go away it’s a shame that many disabilities do not do the same.
Yours Sincerely,
Roy Storey
Chairman
Central Beds Access Group
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15th June 2010
For the latest news regarding Access and Licensing check out :-
www.bhfederation.org.uk
www.goodaccessguide.co.uk
Thanks go to John Pring of www.disabilitynewsservice.com
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14th June 2010
Breaking News
Maybe the EHRC should review their use of words?
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20100613/tuk-inquiry-into-disabled-harassment-6323e80.html
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Rough Guide to Accessible Britain
It's not often that something is free in life but this is just one of those occasions. Ordinarily this book would cost £6.99 including post and packaging but for Blue Badge holders or people in receipt of a higher rate Mobility Allowance it is absolutely free.
The book contains 180 inspiring ideas for worry free days out for those people with mobility problems. It also contains reviews by disabled visitors to those locations. There is accessibility information and advice.
Free copies are limited (and there are even less available now as I have just taken delivery of my own book!).
Ordering the books could not be simpler, either log on or phone up the following:-
accessibleguide.co.uk or phone 0800 953 7070 quoting reference MO400F (lines are open daily 8 am-8 pm)
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28th April 2010
Are disabled people being discriminated against?
Click on the link below
http://www.personneltoday.com/articles/2010/03/23/54917/fitness-for-work-test-denies-benefits-to-disabled-people.html
Most decisions regarding our lives are made by non- medical staff and if the rule of thumb definition of disablity put in place many years ago is carried through then we do not stand a chance. "If a disabled person adjusts to his or her disability then they are no longer classified as disabled". If we do not adjust then many hospital beds would be blocked by people ringing bells and calling 'NURSE' and the disability is not removed because we use a wheelchair or rely on our white stick, guide dog or hearing aid.
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18th March 2010
For the latest information on the CBC education policies click on the link below
http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/images/Draft%20Central%20Bedfordshire%20Accessibility%20Strategy_tcm5-25263.pdf
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3rd March 2010
A series of reforms aimed at modernising the regulation of mobility vehicles were today announced by Transport Minister
See "Newsletter" for details and links.
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19th February 2010
AN ENQUIRY THAT CHANGED A LIFE
To read the full article please go to Useful Contacts
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LATEST NEWS
3rd February 2010
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has announced new measures aimed at providing greater support to the parents of children with special educational needs (SEN). The measures are being introduced in response to the recommendations in a final report by Brian Lamb, Chair of the Special Educational Consortium.
www.dcsf.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2009_0255
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26th November 2009
Bank loses discrimination case appeal
The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has lost an appeal against a landmark ruling that it failed to provide adequate access to its services. David Allen, 18, took legal action against RBS after it failed to provide wheelchair access at his local branch in Church Street, Sheffield. In January, the bank was ordered to install a platform lift and pay £6,500 damages. The estimated cost of installing the platform lift is £200,000. This was the first ruling of its kind and set a legal precedent which could have implications for other service providers.
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11th November 2009
St Andrews Church, Biggleswade has been granted the Seal to proceed with the Garden of Remembrance
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27th October 2009
WITH THE WIINTER MONTHS AHEAD WHY NOT HAVE YOUR REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS DELIVERED TO
YOUR DOOR
LET YOUR NEIGHBOURS KNOW ABOUT THIS SERVICE
CHEESEMANS of AMPTHILL DELIVERS TO SURROUNDING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Reliable Pharmacy offers free delivery
Take the strain and worry out of collecting your prescriptions.
See "Useful Contacts" for further details
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7th October 2009
Update June 2010
The STEPS and the RAMP at the Manor Park have been removed.
Go To Photo Gallery
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22nd September 2009
Shaping the Future of Care Together
CBC has organized a local consultation event to seek people’s views and to produce a joint Central Bedfordshire response to the Government on the Green Paper. Please come and give us your views on:-
http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/consultations/default.aspx#Shaping_the_Future_of_Care_Together_Green_Paper
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25th August
The Access Group has requested that dropped kerbs be sited on both sides of
the junction of Hampden Road and Dunstable Road and also on the footpath
outside of the Village Hall also in Dunstable Road Flitwick.
Work numbers have been allocated by the Central Bedfordshire Council
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27th July
Link to Blue Badge reform high-level implementation
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14th July 2009
Independence at home for Disabled people.
For more details follow this Link;
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/HomeAndHousingOptions/YourHome/DG_4016448
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4th July 2009
Places of Worship
History in the making after 900 years and Independence Day takes on a whole new meaning
The Access Group is presently working with and supporting a group in Biggleswade who are involved with access issues at their church. There have been a number of meetings, one involving the Archdeacon of St Albans Diocese and a member of the DAC. There has also been constant correspondence between the parties concerned. It is hoped that a mutually agreed outcome will soon be arrived at.
The First Phase.
Temporary Ramps in use at the South door of St Andrews
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Dropped Kerb Request
Update
The sites have now been looked at and a total of 3 out five points have been awarded
The Access Group has contacted the Highways Department of the Central Bedfordshire Council requesting that dropped kerbs be installed at two sites in Flitwick both situated on the same road. The path is used every day by residents visiting the town’s post office, banks and shops. It is hoped that work will soon be started. Work numbers have been allocated to these two projects in Dunstable Road
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Disabled and unable to attend or visit your local Village Hall or Club because of the
lack of facilities. Let us know as we are putting together a register of “Accessible” venues and what better place to start than in your town and village.
We would also like to hear about your experiences with public transport.
If you feel that certain facilities exclude the disabled person then contact us with your concerns.
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23rd June 2009
About the Blue Badge map
Visiting a new town?
Take the strain out of searching for a parking place
Click on the link below and follow the directions
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/MotoringAndTransport/Bluebadgescheme/DG_10038295
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11th June 2009
Blind and Visually Impaired people to receive Mobility Component
From 2011, over 20,000 severely visually impaired people in the UK will be eligible to receive the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance
See "Newletter" for further details
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24th May 2009
Guide dogs and registered assistance dogs, travelling with a disabled person
in a Licensed Taxi or Private Hire vehicle
The Access Group was contacted recently by a disabled person who had been charged £2 extra by a
licensed taxi driver for transporting her guide dog. This is illegal.
If you have similar experiences please contact us with the details.
The Disability Discrimination Act and duties on service providers
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) provides legislation to protect the rights of disabled people and has been implemented over a number of years.
It gives disabled people the rights of access to services on non-discriminatory terms. The use of taxis or private hire vehicles by disabled people is covered under both Part 3 and Part 5 of the DDA 1995 (as amended by the DDA 2005).
Duties under Part 5 of the DDA In England and Wales:
Since 31 March 2001, drivers of licensed taxis (hackney carriages) have had a duty to carry, without additional cost, any guide dog, or any other registered assistance dog, travelling with a disabled person.
Since 31 March 2004, drivers of licensed private hire vehicles have had a similar duty. Similar provisions also apply to PHV operators, who are prohibited from refusing a booking by a disabled person accompanied by a guide dog or other assistance dog.
In Scotland:
Since 1 March 2003, drivers of taxis have had a duty to carry, without additional cost, any guide dog, or any other registered assistance dog, travelling with a disabled person.
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11th May2009
Bluebadge Reform
For the latest information click on the Link below
http://www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/bluebadge/pubs/newletters/bluebadgereform.pdf
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Change of Name
At the recent Annual General Meeting of the Mid Bedfordshire Access Group those members present agreed that the access group’s name be changed to, Central Beds Access Group. www.centralbedsaccessgroup.co.uk
The Access Group which will remain an independent community group, will be working in the new council area that will cover both the MBDC and the SBDC.
The group would welcome new members. If you are willing to champion access and inclusiveness for both disabled and able bodied people please contact us.
Contact details can be found on this website.
info.accessgroup@btinternet.com
The Central Beds Access Group, previously known as the Mid Bedfordshire Access Group, is entering its fifth year. The group has worked tirelessly to ensure service providers have a better understanding of their responsibilities to the disabled person with the ultimate goal of implementing improvements regarding access to the services offered.
We have never demanded that changes are made instead we offer an opinion of how changes if made, will improve the lifestyle of those in society who are excluded from many of the attractions others enjoy.
As an independent group we have taken on all comers, as we are not reliant on funding from agencies, this is we believe our strength, We are not an action group as we often work in the shadows chipping away at the indiscretions of service provider and usually coming up with a solution that is reasonable for all concerned.
We ask that you take the time to read the articles contained on this website in the hope that you have a better understanding of who we are and what we have achieved for the residents of and visitors to Bedfordshire.
The reader will also find links to other groups that will be of help regarding issues that may be of interest.
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The Access Group are often asked “How do I go about buying and registering a mobility scooter”
Many disabled people find this type of scooter a great help in the quest to get around unaided. There is however certain regulations and restrictions the user/owner must understand and abide to. We have added direct links to the DVLA to ensure responsible disabled people do not find themselves committing an offence when using them. We hope that it answers those nagging questions and helps the driver becoming a responsible user who respects pedestrians and the neighbour's cat.
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/vehicles/invalid_vehicles.aspx?keywords=power+scooters
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/medical/medical_advisory_information.aspx
It is also sensible to find a quiet area in which you can “practice” and get used to your new electric powered aid. We do not wish any one being injured because the user “didn’t realise the speed it was capable of”.
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Enjoy the beautiful Marston Vale countryside
The Marston Vale railway is a small rural railway running through the heart of the beautiful Marston Vale countryside between Bedford in Bedfordshire, and Bletchley in Buckinghamshire. As well as being the main public transport link in the area, the hourly train service provides access to jobs, schools, and leisure facilities in the Marston Vale.
For full details: - www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk
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Local Authorities and Allotments Plots:
In the present economic climate the request for allotment plots has hit an all time high. Has your local council taken into consideration that disabled residents would if available, love to enjoy the outside life and join that wonderful
community of allotment holders and grow their own vegetables? I am sure those of you who have sat in your homes watching the news could not have missed the item that the National Trust are giving over plots of land to communities for allotments. Councils have an obligation to ensure this amenity is made available to all residents; many do but forget the needs of the16% who are disabled. The Access Group recently met with a council to discuss a new area of allotment plots which is under construction and we suggested the development should include raised plots, adequate pathways and toilets to allow the ambulant disabled, visually impaired and wheelchair user the opportunity to “grow their own”. We are asking “have your council provided facilities”, similar to the above. Have you met and spoken to your local council suggesting the inclusion of raised allotment plots if so, what was their response. Let us know of the outcome.
Info.accessgroup@btinternet.com
Go to "Newsletter" the latest update
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Latest News English Heritage, Wrest Park and the Central Beds Access Group
The Central Beds Access Group, as a result of their work, has been officially asked to continue working with English Heritage into the foreseeable future. We have received written confirmation from English Heritage that the work the Access Group has been involved with regarding access issues at Wrest Park House and ardens, which are Grade 1 Listed and situated near Silsoe, for the past 20 months, has been very much appreciated. We are pleased to accept this offer. Mr. Alex Sydney, Head of Projects & Performance, East Territory attended the Group meeting on Wednesday 26th November where he gave a presentation on how the works will be progressed over the coming years. Go to "About Us" for the latest update
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Finally a path that is suitable to walk on.
It has taken 3 years, a little persuasion and a lot of effort from the Access Group but at last the residents, many of whom are elderly, or mothers with toddlers, now have a safe surface to walk on without fear of turning an ankle in the many potholes or risking other injury from overgrown vegetation and hedgerows.
FROM THIS TO THIS
And all carried out without the support of Politicians
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Bedford and District Audio News
Might you or someone you know, benefit from BDAN's free tapes? A relative, friend or neighbour with sight problems or
a disability that makes holding a newspaper difficult?
Would you like to give something back to your local community and meet new people in the process? Do you have a
spare two to three hours every few weeks?
Are you interested in audio recording and production? (No previous experience required)
Are you as an individual, business or organisation looking for a truly local charity to assist?
If you answered "Yes" to one or more of the above questions, then why not make contact with BDAN,
Bedford and District Audio News - the Talking Newspaper for the Bedford area, UK. How to Get Involved with B.D.A.N.
Contact
For further information: Delia Partridge
Telephone: 01234 216370
Email: contact@bdan DOT org DOT uk
( Please add 'BDAN' in your e-mail subject heading )
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Unitary Councils in Bedfordshire
April this year brings about the formation of the new Unitary Councils in Bedfordshire. Bedford Borough Council will stand
alone as Bedford Unitary Council and Mid Beds will join with South Beds to form the Central Bedfordshire Unitary Council.
The Mid Bedfordshire Access Group will also be changing their name and will become the Central Beds Access Group;
we will retain our independence and the working name of Mid Beds Access Group. We will also have a new website
address; www.centralbedsaccessgroup.co.uk to add to the existing one. The new URL will take you to the site you are
familiar with so there is no need to worry.
We have posted the dates the Access Group will be meeting in 2009 on “Contact Us” also posted are the Minutes of
meetings held in 2008.
If you wish to attend you will be made welcome, contact details are also available on the page.
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For all budding athletes visit:
www.efds.co.uk
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Other Achievements of the Access Group
PATH AND STEPS BETWEEN HINKSLEY ROAD AND GREENWAYS IN FLITWICK
The damaged flagstones have been replaced and it is hoped that a handrail will soon be in place
The area is now regularly maintained and kept clean The top two photographs of the steps were taken as part of an audit when a member of the public needed hospital treatment after falling on the badly maintained pathway which runs from Hinksley Road to Brookes Road, Flitwick. The Access Group contacted the agencies involved in the upkeep of the area. They included, Aragon Housing Association, Beds. County Council and Mid Beds District Council, and were pleased when a majority of the problems were rectified in a very short time.
The bottom three photographs taken on the 25th August show that the Handrails have been put in place, unfortunately the forth set of handrails have been vandalised. (These have now been repaired 1st September 08)
The Access Group wish to thank officers of agencies concerned for listening to the recommendations made in the original Access Audit carried out 20 months ago. It shows that ordinary people who care about their environment really can make a difference in ensuring those who need assistance get it.
(At no time were political parties involved with this achievement)
Sheepfold Hill Greenways Hinksley Road
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The Access Group was recently asked to become involved with access issues relating to the MBDC, "Point Of Presence"(POP's) in Biggleswade. We are pleased to report that this issue is now resolved and further improvments will follow, Thanks go to all involved.
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Church Road Junction with Dunstable Road, Flitwick This Junction situated on Church Road, Flitwick was made safe for pedestrians to cross after the Access Group
contacted the Bedfordshire County Council requesting that modifications be made. This resulted in the
"bell mouth" being reduced, the footpath being realigned and dropped kerbs put in place.
The County Council has now installed wooded bollards to stop drivers cutting the corner over the dropped kerbs.
The Access Group works on a variety of issues, nothing is too small or too big, and has been asked to carry out access
audits on a variety of venues. These have included a large office complex an open air venue and we have also been consulted regarding access to a large Grade1 listed building, local parks and historical venues. The Access Group continues to strengthen both its membership and standing within the district. There is still a long way to go but with your help we will get the message across to the service providers who are holding back on their obligations.
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Brookes Road Shopping Parade
There were problems for disabled residents wishing to park near their home in Brookes Road, Flitwick. The Access Group working with Officers of the Mid Beds District Council have now resolved the problem. There are now two resident's disabled parking spaces and one disabled parking space available for shoppers, 3 in total. Thanks go to all concerned.
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DROPPED KERBS
The Good The Bad The Ugly
These three dropped kerbs two of which, "Bad and Ugly" are at the same road junction and on the same stretch of road 100 yards from "Good". Bedfordshire County Council will be receiving a phone call. If you have dropped kerbs in your area that can beat these then send us a photo and we will post it on the site.
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For the latest news go Newsletter on Menu bar
Are you interested in outdoor pursuits if so then Fieldsman Trails have the perfect answer see Useful Contacts
The Access Group is always pleased to receive information and comments from residents accessing this site. If you have a story or wish to raise any issues please contact us.