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Chairman’s Report 2010 /2011

The year started in a good way. The Group now has a Secretary / Treasure and this proved invaluable. Mrs

Mary Walsh took over the role at the AGM held in March 2010. This has freed up the time of the person

responsible for setting Agendas and typing up the Minutes, that person was I and it has allowed me to

concentrate on other issues and when necessary have our Secretary accompany me to outside meetings.

Our work with English Heritage at the Wrest Park venue has continued and many of the revitalisation projects

are well under way. Thanks go to all concerned especially Ian Kelly and Martin Usher for their expert

understanding of the matters under consideration and the concise approach to put forward solutions to

overcome possible problems, we recently met with the new Project Manager to view the changes being made

and the original “1904 Rose Garden” the plans of which have recently come to light, is being reinstated.

The Group was pleased to receive a report from Greensand Trust and a request from them to work on the new

Woodland Trust Centre which it is hoped will be located on the A6 close to Clophill. The group has been asked

to view the plans and are pleased to say that this facility will be a wonderful addition to central Bedfordshire.

The Group, involving Bedford Borough have ensured important alterations to the Tribunal Services building in

Bedford were implemented. The changes have ensured all visitors are now able to access the venue. Thanks go

to all those who played a major role in altering the layout of the building.

Ian Kelly has undertaken an Access Audit at the Flitwick Mount on behalf the Group at the request of the

Archaeological Department of the Central Bedfordshire Council, Ian working with Hannah Firth and Martin Oake

has spent many hours viewing the site and writing up a comprehensive report on what could and could not be

achieved. The Group is grateful for the time and expertise Ian has given to this ancient monument. It is hoped

that the changes will eventually make this a more accessible and enjoyable venue for all who visit there.

There have been meetings with Flitwick Town Council and representatives from other agencies to discuss the

provision of a pathway which is suitable for all visitors at Manor Park.

This is now in place and along with seating at intervals along the path has improved the facility.

The Group has given an opinion/ advice to a resident who fell down steps at a local tea room. The resident

needed hospital treatment after suffering broken bones and a head injury. We also contacted the owner of the

establishment and the leaser of the premises and suggested alterations that could be made in the hope that

similar incidents do not occur in the future. This issue is ongoing as are access issues at an exclusive restaurant

close to Woburn.

Mr Martin Usher CBC Access Officer has played a major role in both of these issues.

We have also worked closely with Bedfordshire LINk and have attended meetings covering “Care in the

Community” and the restructuring of NHS Bedfordshire. Thanks go to Charlotte Bonser for involving and

supporting the Access Group in the work we do and this is reciprocated as we are aware of the heavy workload

and pressure Charlotte faces each week.

Over the past year a large part of the Access Groups time has been spent in talks with Senior Officers of the

Central Bedfordshire Council. The issues have been diverse and complicated. They have included updates on

the new Equality Law which was presented by Clare Harding, Corporate Policy Advisor (Equality and Diversity)

CBC. Clare’s hard work, advice and support are greatly appreciated.

We have a representative sitting on the Diversity Forum which involves many groups from across the county.

The Forum meetings are arranged by Clare and meets throughout the year.

Helen Redding, CBC, SENDA and Access to School Buildings, has attended meetings and kept the Group

informed of intended changes.

Susan Childerhouse, CBC Head of Public Protection / Safety informed the Access Group that she had written to

all Town and Parish Councils in Central Bedfordshire, informing them of a new Health and Safety Advisory

Group for any events and asking people to consider disability issues when planning such events. Martin Usher

would be at these meetings and so able to report back to CBAG.

There are many issues to be considered by event organisers and Martin agreed to pass this on to those concerned with the Safety Advisory Group. Susan Childerhouse intended to issue a document which would cover frequently asked questions on how to

address disability issues within event planning. Susan updated the group on the current situation with regards to the Licensing of

premises. At the current time the Authority could not put its own conditions on the granting of a License if the matter concerned is already covered by other legislation. The issues regarding access were already covered by the DDA Service Providers Act and not under the Licensing Act, the Access Group put forward the opinion that if the Licensing Authority ignored the access issue

they were ignoring the legislation of the DDA. Martin Usher responded that it was for the provider of the law to

oversee it as there was no overseeing body for the DDA. The group were reminded that Jayne Moakes had suggested writing to the MP Nadine Dorries about this and it was confirmed this had done on behalf of the group. A response to the letter noted that

unfortunately the MP had passed this on to two other people who were not connected with the Licensing Issues

raised.

We have requested changes to the licensing laws; we would like to see an additional to the Public Safety section

which would have meant that licensed premises applicants would be required to include an Access Statement.

Jo Bellamy CBC, Policy and Performance, covered the proposed changes that would come into force under a

Fairer Charging Policy. Jo took the Group through the proposals and is as follows:

1. Fair

2. Funding would not be given until contribution assessed so no claw back necessary.

3. Will be charging for enablement service

4. Reducing or eliminating subsidy on Meals on Wheels service – not a popular change.

Jo to investigate and report back on the value of budget savings.

5. Charges to be introduced to and from Day Care Centres – currently free. Dial a Ride

and Link a Ride had been involved in this but had lost the subsidy from MBDC some time

ago.

6. Charges to be made if more than one carer needed.

7. No changes to tele -care.

8. All charges will be backdated to the date of disability – no time restriction.

9. There would be annual recalculation on payments.

10. If a client was not willing to disclose financial information it would be assumed they

could pay the full amount. Clients would be assisted with this process through annual visits

to go through the form and ensure full benefit entitlement being received and also that

clients were paying the correct amount. Jo felt this would stop people delaying co-operating

with the system and so getting free services. Any Social Worker involved would have an awareness of the

person and would link in with them.

11. No claim can be made for disability related expenses for relatives if the need is not

one identified within the care plan.

12. A new limit of £15 per week for expenses without a receipt.

13. Vague – considered to mean that where a customer can afford to make a

contribution to a service then this will be charged. Direct payments as a method of payment

would exist but the carers would be assessed.

The issues discussed brought about many questions and concerns from the Group and in truth we felt this would

be nothing more than another hardship for the vulnerable to endure.

Tim Hoyle. Head of Business Systems Social Care, Health and Housing, CBC attended a meeting to inform the

Group of changes regarding the structure of the Welfare Rights Service.

This service is a lifeline to many vulnerable people and the proposal to “wind it up” will mean that those who

need help and advice on the many problems relating to benefits and other issues will have to contact outside

agencies. At its height this service employed three members of staff it now has now been reduced to one. The

knowledge that is required by those working in this field is immense and the staff member left at CBC has been

in post for nine years, to lose someone with the knowledge or to be exact to make this post redundant is

unforgivable. The Group suggested that the current Welfare Rights Officer is kept in post.

Much of the discussions that have taken place over the past year have been based on cuts to frontline services

and many of the services relate to the vulnerable residents of Central Bedfordshire. This is unacceptable but

unfortunately irreversible and I hope that those making these decisions one day wake to what they have done.

Finally I make the point that without the Access Group Members giving their time to attend meetings and putting

forward their views to the many guest speakers much of that which has been discussed would not have been

distributed to other organisations.

This dedication and determination is much appreciated as without it we would not be in a position to attempt

changes for the better for the disabled and vulnerable residents of Central Bedfordshire.

Roy Storey

Chairman

Central Beds Access Group

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Chairman’s Report 2009/2010

The Central Beds Access Group has again had a very busy year. It continues to be involved not only in access issues but is working with equality and diversity forums across the county.

This work would not be possible if it were not for the knowledgeable group members who give their time freely to attend meetings and carry forward the views of the group

Thanks go to Martin Usher, Access Officer CBC for his continued constant support and guidance throughout the past five years

The group has over the past year invited speakers which have included Directors Julie Ogley, Richard Ellis, Clare Harding, Corporate Policy Advisor (Equality & Diversity) Business Transformation, Diana Blackmun, Service User Engagement Officer, Adult Social Care, Health &Housing Partnership Team all representing Central Bedfordshire Council, Lorna Walker, Community Development Officer, Greensand Trust and Annabelle Waterfield and Shirley Mead of Hertfordshire Action on Disability.

We received an excellent presentation from Helen Redding, Central Bedfordshire Council, (SENDA and Access to School Buildings) at our December meeting and credit goes out to all Officers of the CBC for their commitment to the residents of Central Beds.

Representatives from many agencies have attended our meetings on a regular basis and this has proved beneficial to the group.

The work is going well at Wrest Park and congratulations must go to Alex Sydney of English Heritage and the many specialist agencies involved for continuing to liaise with and accept the opinion of the access group in all of the recent meetings

The objection raised by the group to the design of the Garden of Remembrance at a church in Biggleswade was upheld by the Chancellor of the Diocese. The alterations to the original design were accepted by all involved and will soon be incorporated in the facilities the church has to offer. Our thanks go to those who supported our objection to what is known as a Faculty, which is church speak for a Planning Application.

The group has also looked at the criteria used for issuing Licenses for entertainment venues. It appears that under the clause of Public Safety there must be in place, safe egress for the disabled person, yet there is not a need for access to the same venue? The group has suggested that “Access Statements” should be included with all applications.

The access group has also raised the awareness of the need to ensure public meetings sponsored by the CBC are held in venues that meet the criteria set out in the DDA regarding accessibility for all.

The group is pleased that Bedfordshire LINk is working hard to advise and seek support for the residents of Bedfordshire reference their health care. There is great concern that many outpatient needs could be outsourced by the Bedfordshire NHS. This also applies to community care beds and the demise of the wheelchair services and their present venue.

We have also involved Bedford Borough in one concern. The Employment Tribunal venue in Howard Street Bedford,does not meet with certain criteria. It is hoped that this will soon be remedied and those who attend for what ever reason will find the facilities accommodating

I look forward to new challenges as we enter our 6^th Year.

Roy Storey

Chairman

February 2010

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Chairman’s Report 2008 -2009

The highlight of 2008 is without doubt the recognition of the worth of the Access Group by English Heritage. We have been involved with English Heritage for the past two years regarding access to both the House and Gardens at Wrest Park which are Grade 1 Listed. In September 08 we were officially asked to work, on a twenty year program, with one aim, to ensure this wonderful venue is an inclusive environment for all to enjoy.

There will be major changes in the County with the formation of two new Unitary Authorities, Bedford and Central Bedfordshire. This is a mammoth task for all involved. The setting up of the Central Beds Access Group will it is hoped, ensure a focal point regarding all disability agencies in the new authority being available at the click of a mouse to the residents of Central Bedfordshire. There will also be phone numbers which can be passed on to those who do not have access to a computer.

Beds County Council will be handing over the properties they presently own to the two new authorities. In January the Access Group working with other agencies set up a meeting with BCC Officers and Officers of the Shadow Central Beds Council to formulate a way forward on these matters. The purpose was to ascertain which buildings will be accessible under DDA and Part M and BS 8300 regulations. The Access Group will be carrying out visits on buildings yet to be chosen, to satisfy the claims made at the meeting that all buildings are accessible.

The past year has seen the group involved in access issues relating to places of worship, allotment schemes, parks and buildings. We became involved with issues relating to the access of the Biggleswade POP and are pleased to report that this matter is now in the process of being resolved and we thank the Officers of MBDC for their prompt actions.

We now have a representative on the Bedfordshire Police “Equality Diversity Delivery Board”. We have also forged working relationships with the Bedfordshire LINk previously known as the PPI Forum and have representatives from the Bedford NHS attending meetings on a regular basis. We have also reaffirmed our working relationship with the Greensand Trust through Jon Balaam who has taken the helm from Richard Woolnough, who retired in 2008.

At our recent Group meeting we were asked to review and comment on a proposal by the Beds County Council to supply disabled parking bays. The bays could be located in the gardens of applicants to the scheme or on the highway as close as possible the applicant’s home. The criteria laid down for applicants are a cause of concern.

The Group has also ensured that projects from last year have been continued to be followed through.

The Group thanks all officers of the Mid Beds District Council especially Martin Usher, Disability Access Officer without whom many of the results the Access Group has reached in the past four years would not have been possible. He has an ability to see both sides of the coin and guide the Group in the right direction. We also thank MBDC and Aragon Housing Association for the Venues which have been made available for our meetings over the past four years.

Finally I wish to thank the Members of the Access Group who have given their time to ensure the disabled residents of Mid Beds have had a voice to put forward the many diverse problems that still blight their lives mainly due the misunderstanding by those who should and could with a little more understanding of DDA Law make a vast difference.

Roy Storey

Chairman

Mid Beds Access Group

March 2009

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Mid Bedfordshire Chairman's Report 2007/2008

This past year has been devoted mainly to working with agencies in evaluating the impact of DES policies. This includes the MBDC and the Bedfordshire Police. These public bodies had to have their policies in place last December and the Access Group has been liaising with them since and I am happy to report that all seems to be going well.

There have been a number of Access Audits carried out during the past year, some have been completed these include The Swiss Garden and Flitwick Wood others are ongoing. I thank Ian Kelly and Martin Usher for their contribution in these matters.

There have been many meetings over a period of months with the Trustees of the Shuttleworth Collection and the Officers of Beds County Council reference The Swiss Garden to ensure access is the prime objective that will ensure an already splendid venue is made accessible for all.

We have had meetings with the Bedfordshire Primary Care Trust regarding access to its Wheelchair Facility based at Steppingley Hospital this is also ongoing but we are pleased that the Trust have listened to our concerns and will be acting upon advice given. We have been asked if the Access Group wishes to become involved with all the facilities owned and leased by the Trust and we will be taking up this offer.

Staying with access issues the Group are presently in discussions with English Heritage regarding Wrest Park. This includes access into the House and the Grounds which are both Grade1 Listed. The English Heritage is seeking a licence to hold Civil Weddings at Wrest Park, included in discussions regarding this project is the MBDC Conservation Officer Fiona Webb.

Our working partnerships between Ampthill Town Council and The Greensand Trust are still in place and all parties look forward to continuing with these in the coming year.

We have been involved with the Bedfordshire Police regarding refurbishments to the reception areas at two of the Stations, Dunstable and Bedford Greyfriers, at present only Dunstable has been looked at.

The Mid Beds District Council asked if we would comment on the design of their new website. There have been emails and conversations and a meeting between us and MBDC and are pleased to report that our comments were received well and the accessibility issues will soon be resolved.

We decided at last years AGM that the way ahead was to involve younger people from the community. This was achieved by asking schools in the district to become involved in the design of a "Logo" for the Group. Thanks go to Katy Henman, MBDC Youth Participation Officer, for her help in engaging with the schools and effectively getting this project up and running. The winning design came from Alameda School, Ampthill. We are still working on ways to involve the younger generation of the district. The Group now has its own website up and running; http://www.midbedfordshireaccessgroup.org in the first 4 months we had over 1000 “hits”.

The Access Group has been engaged with many other agencies during the past year and I am sure that this will continue in the coming year.
The accessible taxis now have grown to four, one more this time last year and with the new regulations now beginning to come into effect over the next two years should see this number vastly increase. The regulations relating to types of vehicles has also been reviewed, this enables more choice at lower prices, which certainly pleases the taxi operators. (We Hope)

I take this opportunity to thank Martin Usher, MBDC Access Officer, for the support, help and advice he has given the Group over the past year. This has been invaluable in ensuring the good name of the Mid Bedfordshire Access Group. I also thank Ian Kelly for his massive contribution, undertaking Access Audits on behalf of the Group and giving his time to attend the many important meetings over the past year. Rex Skinner took on the mantle of Group “Minute Secretary” mid way through the year and thanks go to him for the work he has done since. I also thank all the Officers of MBDC who have invited us to meet and discuss a variety of issues.
Finally I thank all the Guests who have given their time, and all Members for their continued support throughout the year.

Roy Storey
Chairman
Mid Bedfordshire Access Group

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Chairman’s Report 2006/2007

The Access Group has been very busy during 2006/2007. This has included working with local authorities and agencies in and around the Mid Beds district.

Listed are some of our involvements and achievements for this year and our aspirations for the future.

1; An Access Audit was carried out on Priory House the new Council Offices at Chicksands. Thanks go to Ian Kelly for undertaking this task on behalf of the Access Group. There is an audit being undertaken on the Swiss Garden, Shuttleworth Collection in partnership with the BCC and further audits are to be scheduled for the “wood and lake area” of the Swiss Gardens and also Flitwick Wood is due to be looked at regarding access.

2: We are working with Greensand Trust on access issues relating to Ampthill Park, we have had meetings with representatives of Greensand Trust and Ampthill Council regarding certain issues. The Group has been invited to address the Ampthill Town Council’ Parks Committee in February 07. We have also been involved with Greensand Trust in matters relating to the Manor Land Park in Flitwick.

3; The Access Group has and will continue working with the MBDC and the Bedfordshire Police in ensuring the Disability Equality Scheme. We will also be involved in assisting with the monitoring process over the next three years.

4; Patient Transport, the Access Group brought together a multi agency group to look at what could be done to improve this problem, PCT officers from across the district met together with BCC Transport Officers to discuss various ways of improving the overall situations and as a result Trevor Larder of the D.R.C. has represented the Access Group at various meetings since. The merging of the two PCT has not helped solve immediate problems.
This merger has also had a knock on effect regarding the Wheelchair Service which is still in limbo at Steppingley Hospital.

5; The Access Group working with MBDC Licensing Committee has ensured that the taxi fleet will be "accessible for all” by 2010. The Access Group was invited to the July 06 Licensing Committee meeting where we had the opportunity to address Committee Members and also answer questions. The result of this was favourable and as a result Mid Beds now has three accessible licensed taxis operating in the district. Thanks must go to Mr Peter Jones and Mr Richard Alder, Licensing Officers, for ensuring the Committee Members had the relevant papers available to assist them in arriving at their decision.

6; The Access Group intervened in matters relating to Church Road Flitwick, this resulted in the "bell mouth" being reduced from 13 metres to 7 metres and dropped kerbs placed opposite each other at a point were pedestrians and drivers of vehicles will be able to see each other. This has made a safer crossing point for pedestrians along this busy road. Thanks have been sent to the Road Safety Engineers and Highways Department of Beds County Council.

7; The Access Group had been asked by the Maulden Village Hall Committee for advise on disability access issues. I am pleased to report that Maulden have been successful in their application for grant funding which will allow a new disability toilet to be built.

8; We have reported problems that relate to highways and pathways to the BCC highways department and with CRN numbers we are able to follow the progress of each site.

9; We have also had a number of queries regarding access to services from the public which have been followed up and the service providers given the appropriate advice on how best to overcome barriers.

The Access Group is now entering a new phase in its development; we are hoping to set up a website which will allow the residents of Mid Beds to interact with us. To this end we are inviting the schools in the district to assist in the design a “Logo and Website” and are asking Katie Henman, MBDC Youth Participation Officer, to help with this exciting project. The younger people in the community have a different outlook on access issues and if the Mid-Bedfordshire Access Group is to expand and grow we must encompass the thoughts of this very important group.
There is also the Access Award for service providers in the district. The public are to be asked to nominate businesses within Mid Beds who have strived to ensure “accessibility for all”. Thanks go to Trevor Larder for his contribution in these matters.
The possibility of becoming a Charity was also discussed and following an excellent presentation of what would be needed to achieve this it was felt that perhaps the status of a Community Group which we already have is right for the Access Group at this time and the status option could be looked at later in the year.

I am sure you will all join me in thanking Martin Usher MBDC Disability Access Officer for the guidance and assistance he has given to the Group.
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I wish to thank the MBDC and Aragon Housing Association for making available venues for the Access Group’s meetings.

The work we are doing has brought rewards; we are now being accepted as a knowledgeable and approachable group and as a result are being contacted by local and county agencies who are asking for our opinion on matters of access to services.
I thank all members for their support throughout the past year and I look forward to the future and all it brings.

Roy Storey
Chairman
Mid-Bedfordshire Access Group

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Mid Bedfordshire Access Group

Chairmans report 2005/2006

The Access Group’s work and achievements of the past year

The Chairman thanked all Members for their help and support during the past year.

The Access Group has been pro-active in many ways and the co-operation of Officers from local authorities has been a very important role in ensuring that many of the concerns raised by the public have either been addressed or the matters have been directed to the right people. The help and guidance given to the Access Group is appreciated and thanks go to all those involved for their input and advice during the past year.
The group has taken on the usual concerns, dropped kerbs, potholes, overgrown hedges and access issues. We have also taken on tasks that will not have an immediate conclusion. Access to rail stations and carriages, taxis, and opens spaces is ongoing and will be for some time to come. The Access Group are and will continue to bring issues relating to these important matters to the table of those who are in a position to make changes that will bring about “Inclusiveness” to areas of the community that are still inaccessible to many.

Actions 2005/2006: Flitwick.

At the first meeting held on the 17th March 2005, a concern was raised about Tesco in Flitwick and the constant obstruction of the dropped kerb in Coniston Road. The letter sent to the manager of the store resulted in the offending drivers and vehicles, many delivering to the store being stopped from parking on this part of the road.

Similar problems were occurring in and around the district, Biggleswade in particular. The head of BCC Highways, Martin Freeman, was invited to a meeting and as a result many of the concerns raised were remedied. The pot holes in paths, drop curbs and overgrown hedges to name but a few. There was also the access problems concerning a health centre, this was passed to Heartlands PPI to deal with. There followed talks in which it transpired that although there were difficulties regarding direct access there were contingencies in place to overcome the problems.

The access to the countryside became another issue, Phil Fox; BCC Countryside Access Officer attended a meeting held in Shefford. There he outlined the responsibility of BCC to ensure the rights of way in the countryside. Gates, bridleways and footpaths to name but a few.

At the same meeting a presentation about the “Direct Payments Scheme” was delivered. Direct Payments gives those in need of care the opportunity to employ their own team of personal carers.

The meeting held at Marston Moretaine heard presentations from Mid Beds Officers Roy Waterfield who spoke about the funding available from Mid Beds District Council and Jim Tombie who spoke about transport issues around the district. The Access Group received an application form reference “Grant Aid” from the MBDC, unfortunately grants funding was ceased two days before the application was to be considered. The reason, the MBDC had been “Capped” and had to make cuts in their spending. We did however apply for grant for £300 from the Flitwick CLF a month earlier and were successful.

Trains & Stations: (Ongoing) A meeting took place with two of the five companies who were hoping to become the new franchisees of the Thames Link line. Mr Ken Bird of Nat Ex and Mr Robin Ethrington of the First Group met and discussed issues at Flitwick Station in May 2005 and June 2005 respectively. There followed a further meeting with Ginny Chart of Thameslink Rail Ltd along with representatives of other groups from Bedfordshire and the need of access for all was spoken of. It is clear that it will be some time before stations on this line will be upgraded but we all hope that the meetings have had an impact on those service providers.

The First Group have been successful in their bid for the line and subsequently invited the Access Group along with others to meet with the “board” at a venue in Bedford and discuss issues relating to access?

Taxis: (Ongoing) The need for this district to have accessible taxis is fast growing urgent. The District Council is dragging its feet on this issue despite constant emails and phone calls to the licensing department the problem remains. The officers of the council have been swamped with work relating to the new alcohol laws and as a result recommendations passed by the Licensing Committee relating to Hackney Carriages have fallen by the wayside. When asked why the first phase relating to licensed taxis, due to have been introduced on 1st October 2005 had not happened, it was muted that it would now be February 2006. I understand from Peter Jones that it to be discussed at the Committee meeting in March and possibly “phase 1” will now happen in September this year? This will mean phase2 will be put back a further year. Unless a miracle happens Mid Beds will remain the only authority in Bedfordshire without one taxi out of a total fleet of 48 capable of transporting a wheelchair user in their chair for a further 1 to 2 years.

Open spaces: This is also an ongoing project. The group have been in talks with Town and District Councils along with the Greensand Trust regarding a “Local Park” and “access for all”. Two presentations have been held at Group level and a further meeting was held at Biggleswade in February. The Access Group has offered to work with the Town Council and Greensand on the project. Greensand has taken up the offer and we look forward to the future partnership.

Mid beds District Council has included the Access Group in the writing of a policy to promote “Disability Equality”.
The Disability Equality Duty that comes into being from December 2006 places a duty on all public bodies,(local council to government departments, from universities to hospitals) to promote disability equality in the form of a “Disability Equality Scheme” with key bodies that must contain elements such as;

Involving disabled people in producing the scheme and developing an action plan.

Identify how they will gather and analyse evidence to inform their actions and track progress.

Set out how they will assess the impact of their existing and proposed activities on disabled people.
The Act sets out what is known as the General Duty and means that public bodies will have to have due regard to the needs of disabled people, this will include promoting equal opportunities and considering the elimination of harassment of disabled people. They should also consider promoting positive attitudes and encouraging the participation of disabled people in public life.

Source of Advice:
The Access Group has been asked for advice on two important issues.
The design of the main stair case for the new council offices at Chicksands.
The three designs put forward failed to comply with DDA guidelines, the risers were of an open type, this was pointed out and a suggestion to changing the design so as to comply with DDA requirements was made.

The Flitwick and District Youth and Community Association contacted the Group to ask for advice regarding the rebuild of the Old School building to ensure that it complied with legislation. Martin Usher met with Glen Pullen on site and the guidance and information was greatly appreciated.

Tesco Pharmacy in Flitwick High Street has rectified the mistakes it made when they removed a step outside their premises. They have fixed a bell on the outside wall, at waist height, a notice informing that help is available and a hand rail on the inside wall so as to assist customers using the pharmacy. A letter of thanks has been sent to the store manager.

New Project (Became public knowledge after the January meeting)

The move of the Wheelchair Service to Steppingley Hospital is a cause of concern. Twinwoods and the DRC units are proposed to become one unit. This will mean a travel distance of almost 20 miles for some users of this service. There is also the problem of an inaccessible rail station, taxis unable to carry wheelchair users and a non existent public transport structure for those who are unable to drive or have access to private vehicles. There are talks going on regarding this issue and the Group will be kept informed.

The Access Group has made a difference in the past year and will continue to in the future.

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