WELCOME TO THIS WEB SITE WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THE CONTENT.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US.
All articles and photos are the property of the Central Beds Access Group
©
For Accessibilty options please click: www.bbc.co.uk/accessibility
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24th April 2012
Please note that due to changes the web site will be known as;
http://www.disabledaccessforcentralbeds.btck.co.uk
This change takes place from the 1st May 2012
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5th April 2012
Exemption list published for Anglian Water’s hosepipe ban includes.
Blue Badge holders:
People who hold a Blue Badge issued by their local authority can use a hosepipe to water a garden attached to domestic premises in order to water plants and their own allotment if applicable.
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New arrangements for information, advice and support on discrimination and human rights The Government is commissioning a new Equality Advisory and Support Service to provide a high-quality service helping individuals in England, Scotland and Wales who have problems with discrimination. It will give expert advice and support, tailored to people’s individual circumstances, with a particular focus on providing in depth support to vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals to find early and informal solutions where possible. Everyone will be able to use the new service, whatever their means. It will strive to meet the highest standards of accessibility for everyone – including people with disabilities and those for whom English is not their first language. Its services will be available in Welsh.
In addition to telephone based support for advice on discrimination, the service will provide lay independent advocacy support for people who need face to face help. If someone’s problems cannot be resolved informally or through alternative dispute resolution and they do not have access to legal advice, the service will be able to help them in preparing to issue a claim.
Legal aid will continue to be available for claims in contravention of the Equality Act 2010. We are confirming that future central government funding for legal advice on discrimination cases will be solely through legal aid. The Government is also supporting the not for profit advice sector through its recently announced Advice Services Fund. This fund will help the sector to deliver good quality free advice in their communities.
More information is available in the documents below.
Date: Fri Dec 09 15:45:19 GMT 2011
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Brookes Road Shopping Parade
Latest News
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 resolved the problem.
There are now two resident's disabled parking spaces and one disabled parking space available for shoppers, 3 in total. There now seems to be a major problem which is being caused by commuters insisting on using the parking bays as their own private spaces, this happens all over Flitwick. This has caused the owner of the shops to call in a Private Company to "police" the parking bays by using the threat of clamping and towing away vehicles which exceed 1/2 hour of parking time. Some of the shops are handing out privileged parking passes but these are only given to those patronising their business, this is actually discrimination.
A meeting with the owners of the shops, Flitwick council (Unsure why the Town Council are involved?) and local residents, (the residents were asked by the owners to leave the meeting?) has been held. The owners stated that the new parking initiative was nothing to do with them it was the tenants idea. "Bad idea" as the parking bays are on "Highways Land" which the the local development company who recently bought the properties do not own. The fact that the road and parking bays are publicly maintained highway has been comfirmed by the Building Control and the Highways Department of Central Bedfordshire Council.
(6th October 2011)
It is also noted that during the past two weeks the words "Disabled" appear to have been defaced and are almost ineligble, we are attempting to find out those responsible for this action.
A lot of work went into getting these parking bays for the residents and shoppers and we will ensure a few greedy people will not benifit from our hard work. The developers own the buildings but not the Highway!
We understand this problem has now been resolved.
Watch These Spaces
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September 26th 2011
Blue Badge Scheme
You may be aware, that the government has announced significant changes to scheme of Disabled Parking Badges (Blue Badges). Some of these changes will come into effect on 1st January 2012. Whilst some aspects of the changes are determined nationally by the government, others are for the council to make a final decision.
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August 2011
Wrest Park Official Opening and Tour
Members of the Central Beds Access Group were invited to attend the official opening of Wrest Park held on the 9th August 2011. At least 100 guests were treated to tours that began at the new Visitors Centre, which is now complete with a large play area with wooden play equipment, and included the renovations of the main House and Orangery, the magnificent Gardens and talks on the wallpapers used in the reconstruction of the rooms to their original design.
The evening event started at 5 pm with a cream tea and concluded at 8.30 pm, after a champagne buffet on the terrace overlooking the magnificent views of Wrest Park gardens. It was a huge success and English Heritage paid tribute to all who had contributed to the recreation of Wrest Park and, in particular, the Access Group were thanked for their pragmatic input over the past 4 years regarding access for disabled visitors.
Over the next phases, which are to take a further 16 years, the Access Group looks forward to supporting English Heritage with the development of Wrest Park as a beautiful and accessible venue.
Wrest Park Is open to the public
Check out the Wrest Park website
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30th June 2011
'The medical was a joke'
Helping to understand Work Capability Assessments
With the loss of Welfare Rights Department at Central Bedfordshire Council many deserving people will be left to fight their corner regarding the new Work Capability Assessment (WCA).
This government's reform of the disability benefits system has angered claimants, many who feel they are less than second class citizens and say the new tests fail to identify why they can't work, and all of this is blamed on Cameron's war against 'sick note culture Britain'.
The automated Atos assessment is the focus of particular fury and alarm. Over the next three years, one and a half million people will undergo a new test based on a complex computer program which helps a team of "disability analysts" to decide who is sufficiently fit for work.
Is a computer-led assessment really the best way to analyse someone's fitness? Charities are uneasy with this particular test, describing it as a blunt and an unsophisticated tool.
People who have had no contact with the benefits system are unlikely to have heard of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA).
Anyone with disabilities or serious ill-health will probably already have a detailed knowledge of the test's workings and its many alleged disturbing idiosyncrasies.
To be found too unwell or incapacitated to work, individuals need to clock up 15 points during the 45-minute one-to-one assessment. If, for example, you can't pick up a £1 coin with either hand you get 15 points. Cannot learn or understand how to complete a simple task, such as setting an alarm clock also 15 points. Strangers have difficulty understanding your speech? Take six points.
Because of the way the questionnaire has been set, it is much harder to be classified as unfit for work under the new test as previously and, as a result, the reform is expected to save the government £1bn over five years. In pilots of the test, 30% fewer people have been found unfit for work and 70% fewer people have been found eligible for the full-rate unconditional support benefit. Already people have been told they don't qualify for benefits in much greater numbers than anticipated in government projections.
Disabled persons and those with serious ill-health have enough to cope with without having to go through the anxiety caused by the “Computer which says NO”
Is this Government ignoring the proven diagnosis of the medically qualified Doctor and Consultant in favour of a company that will earn £100 million per year for plugging in a computer and at the same time switching off a life support machine?
Let us have your thoughts on this backward step contact us on; info.accessgroup@btinternet.com
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7th April 2011
All Welfare Rights queries received by Central Bedfordshire Council are being referred to the person's nearest Citizen's Advice Bureau. CBC will continue to operate the Macmillan Welfare Rights Service which provides assistance to cancer sufferers and their families under an agreement with the Macmillan Charity. The service can be accessed by telephoning 0300 300 8145.
For your local CAB Office please see "Useful Contacts"
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See "Contact Us" for Details of all Group meetings.
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The Officers Elected at the 2011 Access Group AGM are as follows:-
Chairman: - Roy Storey
Deputy Chairman: - Ian Kelly
Secretary / Treasurer: - Mary Walsh
For more details see "Contact Us"
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7th March 2011
BREAKING NEWS
Doctors think reforms will reduce NHS quality
Nearly nine out of ten doctors think increasing competition in the NHS will lead to services being fragmented, according to a poll.
Some 65 per cent believe competition between providers, including NHS and private companies, will reduce the quality of patient care, while 61 per cent think the Government's reforms mean they will spend less time with patients.
Most doctors believe NHS reforms will lead to increased competition but only one in five thinks they will improve care.
Some 67 per cent think closer working between GPs and hospitals would improve services for patients, but only 34 per cent have faith the reforms will lead to this.
The Health and Social Care Bill, currently going through parliament, will see £80 billion of the NHS budget handed to GPs, enabling them to commission services.
BMA chairman Dr Hamish Meldrum said: "Doctors overwhelmingly want there to be closer working between primary and secondary care, and to have greater involvement in decision-making - yet most think these are the least likely outcomes of the reforms."
Karen Jennings, Unison head of health, said: "This new BMA survey of doctors shows just how sceptical they are that the benefits outweigh the risks."
Please let us know your thoughts:
info.accessgroup@btinternet.com
Phone 01525 718524
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3rd March 2011
Freeing pedestrians from pavement parking blight.
The Government is making it easier for councils to tackle pavement parking and stop it causing an obstruction to pedestrians Regional and Local Transport Minister Norman Baker announced today.
Vehicles parked on pavements can cause particular problems for people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and those with pushchairs. The Minister has today written to councils prompting them to use their powers to prevent parking on the pavement where it is a problem.
For more details use the link below.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=418175&SubjectId=2
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4th February 2011
Watch out for this council tax scam
A new scam is doing the rounds. Here’s what you need to know.
How the scam works
The scam is operated by both email and telephone. Fraudsters contact you to say you're due a financial reward as a thank you for paying your council tax by direct debit.
The emails and calls claim to be from the 'Council Tax Head Office in London' and say you can earn a refund of hundreds of pounds if you provide your personal details, including your bank account details. There is, of course, no such thing as the Council Tax Head Office in London.
The scammers may also provide you with a phone number for you to call should you require more information. However, the numbers provided are thought to be connected to premium rate lines, meaning if you phone one, you could be charged at an extortionate rate.
What's more, if you then hand over your bank details — either by phone or in response to an email - the fraudsters will be able to access your bank account and the next time you check it, it's likely to be looking considerably less healthy.
What you can do
Several local councils, including Enfield and Lewisham in London, Aberdeen, Brighton and Hove, and the Wirral, have warned about the scam on their websites. So if you do have concerns, have a look on your local council's website to see if there are any further details.
It's worth remembering that your local council won't cold call, text or email you in this way, asking for bank details. If you are due any type of refund, your local council will contact you through the post explaining the situation.
So if you do receive a phone call to say you're due a financial reward on your council tax, hang up immediately — you may find they call back, but simply don't answer. And if you receive an email, don't click on any links in the email, don't press reply, and don't phone any numbers you've been given. And most importantly, don't hand over any personal details or bank account numbers.
If you are unsure about the validity of a call or email about council tax (or any other council service), get in touch with your local council. You'll be able to find the phone number of your local council on their website.
You can also seek advice from Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or check out the website.
Stay safe
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1st February 2011
Warnings that cuts to DLA could breach human rights law
A lawyer has warned that cuts to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) could breach
human rights law. Last month the Government began a consultation on proposals
to replace the DLA with a new Personal Independence Payment and to cut
expenditure by 20 per cent.
Disability lawyer Mike Charles has told the BBC the proposed changes could be
unlawful if they denied individuals the right to quality of life. Mr Charles said: ‘The
Human Rights Act says individuals have a right to family life, have a right to a
quality of life, the whole purpose of the DLA is to put them on an equal playing field
with everyone else. Any proposal that fails to appreciate those fundamental rights
could find it is an infringement of the law.’
Charities including Disability Alliance claim that the proposals are not about
simplifying the system but are about removing 380,000 claimants from it. Richard
Hawkes, Chief Executive of disability charity Scope, has condemned the decision
to remove the mobility component of the DLA for care home residents.
The DLA consultation ends on 14 February 2011.
For the full story, visit the BBC News website
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12141725
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Update 3rd January 2011
June 2009 Dropped Kerb Request
Dropped Kerbs outside the Village Hall, Flitwick
Dropped Kerbs at the junction of Hampden Road
The Access Group had 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. It was pointed put that the path is used every day by residents visiting the town’s post office, banks and shops. Thanks go to Highways Department of the Central Bedfordshire Council for the work carried out
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Review of Central Bedfordshire Council’s Welfare Rights Service
As part of its programme of efficiencies Central Bedfordshire Council is reviewing the Welfare Rights Service with a view to discontinuing it. We are now consulting with stakeholders get your views and to explore what alternatives there might be.
For more details please check out the link below
centralbedsaccessgroup.co.uk
We as a Group feel that this proposal should be looked into before any changes are made to the present setup.
This is a Frontline Service which many residents of
Central Bedfordshire rely on
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22nd November 2010
After a visit to the Tribunal’s Service building in Bedford last year it was plain that a number of issues made it very awkward for disabled and elderly visitors to access the venue. The Central Beds Access Group entered into correspondences with the Manager of the Tribunal Service and included Stuart O'Dell Disability Equality and Access Officer for Bedford Borough as the facility was situated in Bedford Boroughs area. The letter below once again proves that raising a concern with a Service Provider is worth while.
Dear Sir,
Further to your letter dated 18th October 2010, I confirm the following works have been carried out:
1 The barrier control panel to the car park has been repositioned at a height between 1000 -1300mm.
2 The water gulley running along the car park has been levelled with a drain cover.
3 The accessible entrance at the rear of the building has been raised to the same height as the door
4 Works in the accessible toilet include:
A) The panic and alarm cord has been replaced and re-situated so it can
be operated from the WC. The cord is coloured red.
B) The WC has been replaced, a new plastic seat has been fitted with a back rest and cushion support,
C) A hook for hanging coats will be fitted
5 The door to access Tribunal room 1 has been replaced with a new, wider-width door.
6 Staff have been reminded to ensure the drop-down counter is lowered at all times.
7 The large refuse bin currently padlocked to the handrail will be re-located.
I would like to point out the Tribunal Service's estates department investigated Roy Storey's comment's and issues and took appropriate action to carry out remedial work in a timely and efficient manner. Issues such as training are ongoing.
Yours faithfully
0~~
Jas Bhogal, Office Manager
Thanks go to Stuart O'Dell for his support in this matter and the Tribunal Service for acting positively to the concerns raised.
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9th November 2010
Winter Fuel Payments
Winter Fuel Payments are annual payments to help with winter heating bills for older people. The payment can be worth up to £400 depending on a person’s circumstance. Many people will be automatically paid but others will need to put in a claim.
If you know someone who you think could be entitled to this payment please
click on the link below for more details.
www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/Benefits/BenefitsInRetirement/DG_10018657
6th November 2010
Need to make a complaint to the Bedford NHS or perhaps add a compliment for their service you receive. Then click the link below.
Who do I turn to. PALS and complaints.doc
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4th November 2010
Equality Act 2010 forms for obtaining information
Under the Equality Act 2010 there is a process for people who think they may have been treated unlawfully to obtain information about possible discrimination, harassment, victimisation or other prohibited conduct and about equality of terms (equal pay) complaints. This works through two sets of forms, one for discrimination or other prohibited conduct complaints and the other for complaints about equality of terms.
To view the new forms click on the link below.
http://www.equalities.gov.uk/news/equality_act_2010_forms_for_ob.aspx
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19th October 2010
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
Position Statement on Quiet Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Click on Link
Documents/Guide Dogs position on quiet electric and hybrid vehicles.doc
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3rd October 2010
Hospital car parking charges.
For details of the Luton & Dunstable Hospital Parking Policy Click on the link below
Luton and Dunstable Hospital Parking Policy.pdf
Go to Newsletter for the latest.
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1st October 2010
The Equality Act
The Equality Act comes into force today To help people understand the new law the EHRC have published guidance and good practice on what the Act will mean for employers, workers, service providers and service users.
Please use the link below for details.
http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/advice-and-guidance/guidance-equality-act-2010/
For more details please use this link.
http://www.personneltoday.com/articles/2010/09/22/56584/government-confirms-1-october-implementation-of-equality.html
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19th September 2010
Hospital car parking charges.
The Letter. The Answer. The latest on what the Government says.
Let the Access Group know your thoughts.
This letter was sent to Nadine Dorries
Dear Nadine Dorries
Thank you for the response to my letter in support of McMillan's appeal for free hospital parking for Cancer patients.
Fortunately, I do not have Cancer myself but my sister did and once collapsed on a train trying to return home under her own steam from a treatment session - a friend then supported her by taking her by car and paying for the parking herself.
I have been in the position of having to pay £25 for one day's parking when visiting the Royal Free hospital for a lumbar puncture and pay parking fees for my regular visits to a Pain Clinic in MK - there is not a nearer one available to me so I pay petrol too.
I appreciate that hospital trusts use parking fees to fund patient services - or could that be to fund administration and a surfeit of Managers? However, I do also feel that I have paid and my family continue to pay our taxes and National Insurance contributions also to fund our treatment in hospital - and this would be the same for Cancer patients. In a perfect world, as you say, nobody would have to pay but I feel strongly that at least Cancer patients (which include children transported by their parents) could be spared this extra burden during very stressful and unpleasant treatments. As to how this could be policed to avoid people taking advantage of hospital parking for other reasons, I would suggest a card similar to the ones issued to the disabled could be provided by the hospital for display in the car, together with a pass to exit the car park. Where there is a will there is always a way.
I do hope you may feel able to personally support such a request from a nationally recognised and valued organisation, which is also backed up by many individuals, and perhaps do what you can to put this in the forefront when decisions are taken following the NHS Car Parking Consultation referred to in your letter.
Yours sincerely
Mary Walsh
Dear Mrs Walsh
Thank you for taking the time to contact me about hospital car parking charges.
I can completely understand your feelings on this matter. In a perfect world, charges such as these would not exist. However, it is important to remember that hospital trusts use parking fees to fund patient services. Especially now, in a time when money is so tight, the resources to fund this subsidy would have to come from other areas of hospitals’ budgets, potentially putting the quality and efficiency of care provided by front-line services at risk. The new Government has no plans to press forward with the previous administration’s plans to abolish hospital car parking charges. I fear that the previous Government’s scheme would have lead to widespread abuse by non-patients, particularly as many hospitals are located in very central areas. There was no indication from the previous Government as to how this scheme might be regulated, in order to prevent this.
National Health Service organisations have the autonomy to make decisions that best suit their local circumstances. This includes decisions on charges for car parking. However, should charges discourage patients from accessing their services or friends and families from visiting patients, or prevent staff doing their jobs properly those NHS organisations have a responsibility to look at that further. The Government will publish a response to the NHS Car Parking Consultation in September.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Yours
Nadine
Nadine Dorries MP
FOR THE GOVERNMENT'S ANSWER GO TO "NEWSLETTER"
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11th September 2010
Problems with Public Transport, check out this site.
BABUS was founded in November 2005. We have three main aims;
to represent the interests of bus users in the Bedford area,
to encourage people to use buses.
http://babus.org.uk/
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9th September 2010
Check out this website
http://www.shapingourlives.org.uk/
Shaping Our Lives National User Network is an independent user-controlled organisation, think tank and network.
We started as a research and development project but became an independent organisation in 2002.
We now work with a wide and diverse range of service users.
Click here to find out more about Shaping Our Lives.
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5th September 2010
Update on the
Scottish Criminal Justice and Licensing Law passed with access amendment
Scottish Criminal Justice and Licensing Law passed with access amendment
On 6 August 2010, the Scottish Criminal Justice and Licensing Law received Royal Assent. This law includes an amendment which will require applicants for new full premises licences to demonstrate how accessible their premises are. The amendment follows a campaign by wheelchair user Mark Cooper for a comprehensive listing of pubs with accessible toilet facilities. Mr Cooper worked with Capability Scotland to raise awareness about his campaign nationally.
However, Susan Clark of Edinburgh City Council licensing board said that there were some flaws with the new legislation that would need to be addressed. She explained: ‘Only applicants for new full premises licences need give this assessment, not new provisional licences. If someone wanted to avoid applying, they could take just out a provisional licence.’ She also said that the law only applied to new premises, not to the nearly 2,000 premises which already have licenses in the city.
For the full story, visit the Guardian website
http://tinyurl.com/guardian-scot-licensing
To view the Act, visit the Scottish Parliament website
www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/24-CrimJustLc/index.htm
My thoughts
Although this Law has been passed and received Royal Assent it does nothing for the disabled person visiting venues already licensed. The statement made by Susan Clark of Edinburgh City Council licensing board, that there were some flaws, is laughable as it seems that it is more likened to a sieve. There are too many loopholes for this Law to be taken seriously and once again the disabled in Scotland are expected to thank the Law makers and the licensed trade will certainly be shaking the hands of the Law makers and no doubt be inviting them in providing they are able to gain access to the venue.
We can only hope that the present consultation which ends on the 8th September 2010 does not follow the Scottish law.
Regards
Roy
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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.
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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”
Have you been affected
Your opinion and comments are important and we ask you to respond.
Please use the following link to access this consultation.
http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/consultations/default.aspx
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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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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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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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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 of 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.
The location of this path is opposite Ellenshaw Court in Flitwick.
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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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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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.
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