After the August meeting minutes had been accepted, Terry Barritt asked if the problem with disabled parking at Southend Road Leisure Centre could be discussed as agreed. Ray Beare told the Forum he had contacted the manager, and would report back to the next meeting.
The Forum was then given a presentation by Stephanie Stables, Cumbria Police Authority, and Gary Lawrie of Cumbria Police. The theme of the presentation was 'Disability Equality within the Police Service'. After Stephanie explained the different roles of the Police Authority and the Constabulary, four questions were put forward for comment by members of the Forum. These were Hate Crime, Bad Experiences, Good Experiences, and Accessibility of the Service. Jean Riley raised the issue of deaf people contacting the police via phone text. All comments will inform the Police Service Disability Equality Scheme.
Doreen Jones reported on the last meeting of the Mobility Scooter/Wheelchair Users Group. which covered insurance, vehicle maintainence, and DVLA registration. It was regarded as a successful meeting, and the next will be arranged for 2 months time, with a wider audience invited.
Discussion turned to the Penrith Access Survey. There had been an increase from 237 properties surveyed in 2005 to 272. Analysis of the results was not complete, but indicated a 5% rise in properties with level access, although the percentage of properties with formally trained staff was a disappointing 22%. Ray Beare and Greg Sadler would meet later to confirm the results and begin preparing the report.
The Kirkby Stephen survey was scheduled for the next month. However, in an initial appraisal, Ray felt 35 of the 65 properties to be surveyed were inaccessible. Ray also queried the number of properties surveyed in Appleby, which stands at 34. 53% of these were deemed accessible.
Thoughts turned to the proposed 'Pubs and Restaurants Guide'. A decision was taken to delay this until next year, due to time scales involved and current commitments.
Ray Beare went on to report that the Scotts Fish and Chip Shop drop kerb was a priority in the latest Capita program, which was due to commence shortly.
Unfortunately, Charles Thornton had to report that Ullswater Steamers were unable to provide for a social event as they are currently too busy.
In his report, Ray explained most of his time was taken up with the Penrith Access Survey and the Mobility Scooter/Wheelchair Users Group. However, he was able to confirm that the Countess Pillar, on the A66, was now accessible.
Terry Barritt hadn't found any planning applications relevant to the Forum. Ray has commented on an application for a restaurant on the A66.
A policy for impact assessments had been drawn up by Policy Officer Oliver Shimell. Doreen, Marion and Greg offered to help with these assessments, and it was hoped a meeting with Oliver could be arranged.
The venue for the Christmas lunch was discussed, with Stonybeck Inn and The Lowther Castle being suggested. Latterly, however, neither of these were suitable due to accessibilty issues. An alternative was to be found, and hopefully booked for Tuesday December 11.
Finally, the members agreed to hold a meeting on the 4th of December to finalise any business before the end of the year, and to examine prospects and ideas for 2008.
Saturday, 29 December 2007
Wednesday, 26 September 2007
August Meeting
Progress on the blog and newsletter was reported, and a new link from the council website to the blog. Ray Beare had forwarded the groups comments on the Museum Review and the Blue Badge Scheme. Eden Mencap reported they had been granted revenue monies on a three year renewable basis. The progress on Jenkins Field was excellent, all approvals having been obtained and work due to start in September, with only the Parish Council to comment, but with no problems expected.
Discussion turned to the Disability Equality Scheme, and Impact Assessments. The Scheme was approved in December 2006 by full Council. The amended scheme and it's action plan were approved on 29 March 2007 by the Establishment Committee. The relevance assessment had been completed and forwarded to Paul Foote. Impact assessments should be completed by December 2007, after a 'standard methodology' had been agreed.
The Penrith Survey was almost complete. Over 300 premises had been covered, and Ray was to look into any outstanding. Some 'sight' questions were incomplete and Jean Nicholson had offered assistance. The Warehouse lift still doesn't work, and Ray was to talk to the management over this.
The Appleby survey is being analysed and will be launched at the same time as the Penrith Survey. It was agreed that the Kirkby Stephen survey should be completed before the end of August, to allow comparison of all three main towns. Several members volunteered, and the 'Age Concern' bus was to be arranged for Tuesday 28 August. The Survey was expected to take a few hours. Following requests from Tourist Information, the results of the Surveys will be used in a 'Pubs and Restaurants' guide. It will mean extending into rural areas for full coverage, and will be discussed in October. Doreen noted the description for the George Hotel, Penrith, contained in the Cumbria County Council 'accessible venues' website was inaccurate due to the impractical and inaccessible nature of the stairlift for many people.
Capita have finalised their list of dropped kerbs, including those previously reported by the Forum, also two at Friars Rise and Pategill, with another at Temple Sowerby. It was suggested the drop kerb outside Norcroft Guest House was too high and should be examined. Ray Beare has worked with Capita since the last meeting, surveying problems in Pategill and Temple Sowerby.
Charles Thornton is to chase up Ullswater Steamers regarding the Forum Social event, after initial contact by Ray.
A report was given on the Cumbria Disability Network Conference. The main Speaker was Rory Heap, of the DRC, who talked on the Disability Equality Schemes. There was a demonstration of a new search facility on the CCC website and a short talk by Rachael Monk, who had recently fought, and won, a disability discrimination case.
It was agreed to look at the various options for a debate, and plan for early next year. Various possibilities and ideas were raised. Roger covered the breadth of disability and Council involvement. He suggested a strong chairperson would be required.
Greg and Ray reported on a meeting with Anne Cowie of Weardale Access Forum, regarding how to fund the Forum. It was suggested that the present arrangement, and relationship with the Council, be retained and maintained. Doreen suggested help with travel expenses might encourage people from more remote areas to become involved.
In his report, Ray informed the Forum of the following:
The Supplementary Planning Document 'An Accessible and Inclusive Environment' has been adopted by full Council. The 'Adoption Statement' and final document can be viewed on the council website, and at any public library.
The Access Association visit to Trafford Park was successful. It has a fully accessible changing facility, one of two in the country. It is hoped the Southend Road development will include one.
The Chairman of the Council has launched a 'Christmas Card Design Competition'. Barry Cooper, Communications Officer, will liaise with various organisations.
Access to Polling Stations has been raised. A suggestion that all stations be accessible was raised. Some members used postal voting to overcome problems. Ray will raise this once the Surveys are completed.
The Chairman reported discussions had been held with Councillor Patricia Bell, regarding a potential 'Mobility and Scooter Users' meeting. There were some reservations, but the Forum agreed to support the event. The Chairman was to redraft the flyer. The meeting was subsequently arranged for 19 September at the Penrith Leisure Centre.
There were no major planning applications to report, and Terry Barritt agreed to try and look up applications on the Council website, and report his findings to Ray.
A request was made for the Forum to look at parking spaces. This will be raised at the next meeting in October
Discussion turned to the Disability Equality Scheme, and Impact Assessments. The Scheme was approved in December 2006 by full Council. The amended scheme and it's action plan were approved on 29 March 2007 by the Establishment Committee. The relevance assessment had been completed and forwarded to Paul Foote. Impact assessments should be completed by December 2007, after a 'standard methodology' had been agreed.
The Penrith Survey was almost complete. Over 300 premises had been covered, and Ray was to look into any outstanding. Some 'sight' questions were incomplete and Jean Nicholson had offered assistance. The Warehouse lift still doesn't work, and Ray was to talk to the management over this.
The Appleby survey is being analysed and will be launched at the same time as the Penrith Survey. It was agreed that the Kirkby Stephen survey should be completed before the end of August, to allow comparison of all three main towns. Several members volunteered, and the 'Age Concern' bus was to be arranged for Tuesday 28 August. The Survey was expected to take a few hours. Following requests from Tourist Information, the results of the Surveys will be used in a 'Pubs and Restaurants' guide. It will mean extending into rural areas for full coverage, and will be discussed in October. Doreen noted the description for the George Hotel, Penrith, contained in the Cumbria County Council 'accessible venues' website was inaccurate due to the impractical and inaccessible nature of the stairlift for many people.
Capita have finalised their list of dropped kerbs, including those previously reported by the Forum, also two at Friars Rise and Pategill, with another at Temple Sowerby. It was suggested the drop kerb outside Norcroft Guest House was too high and should be examined. Ray Beare has worked with Capita since the last meeting, surveying problems in Pategill and Temple Sowerby.
Charles Thornton is to chase up Ullswater Steamers regarding the Forum Social event, after initial contact by Ray.
A report was given on the Cumbria Disability Network Conference. The main Speaker was Rory Heap, of the DRC, who talked on the Disability Equality Schemes. There was a demonstration of a new search facility on the CCC website and a short talk by Rachael Monk, who had recently fought, and won, a disability discrimination case.
It was agreed to look at the various options for a debate, and plan for early next year. Various possibilities and ideas were raised. Roger covered the breadth of disability and Council involvement. He suggested a strong chairperson would be required.
Greg and Ray reported on a meeting with Anne Cowie of Weardale Access Forum, regarding how to fund the Forum. It was suggested that the present arrangement, and relationship with the Council, be retained and maintained. Doreen suggested help with travel expenses might encourage people from more remote areas to become involved.
In his report, Ray informed the Forum of the following:
The Supplementary Planning Document 'An Accessible and Inclusive Environment' has been adopted by full Council. The 'Adoption Statement' and final document can be viewed on the council website, and at any public library.
The Access Association visit to Trafford Park was successful. It has a fully accessible changing facility, one of two in the country. It is hoped the Southend Road development will include one.
The Chairman of the Council has launched a 'Christmas Card Design Competition'. Barry Cooper, Communications Officer, will liaise with various organisations.
Access to Polling Stations has been raised. A suggestion that all stations be accessible was raised. Some members used postal voting to overcome problems. Ray will raise this once the Surveys are completed.
The Chairman reported discussions had been held with Councillor Patricia Bell, regarding a potential 'Mobility and Scooter Users' meeting. There were some reservations, but the Forum agreed to support the event. The Chairman was to redraft the flyer. The meeting was subsequently arranged for 19 September at the Penrith Leisure Centre.
There were no major planning applications to report, and Terry Barritt agreed to try and look up applications on the Council website, and report his findings to Ray.
A request was made for the Forum to look at parking spaces. This will be raised at the next meeting in October
Saturday, 23 June 2007
June Meeting
The halfway point of the year...where on earth does the time go?
The main points in this meeting were the DES, and the Access Surveys. A report was given on a recent meeting of the DES reference group, and a relevance assessment of the councils Policy and Strategy Documents was put forward for comment. It was agreed that a small sub-group should examine this and consider how to proceed with assessing the ‘impact’ of each policy.
The survey form had been agreed, and names provided by Sound Advice Cumbria and Eden Voluntary Society for the Blind, who might be able to help. Ray Beare agreed to contact them before a meeting to confirm the final groups. Each group will survey one of six areas in the town centre.
Dave Spence of Capita, forwarded a programme of dropped kerbs. These were in Sandgate, outside Scotts Fish Restaurant, Lazonby Main Street between Co-op and Railway station junction, various on Anchor Close/Macadam Way in Penrith, Cookson Court/Newton Road in Penrith, various in Pategill, Penrith, and the junction of Askham Cresent with Friars Road/Close was suggested by a member, as was the right hand side of Friars Road/Close.
The suggestion of a social event for the Forum was raised again. Most of the members realised the benefits of meeting 'outside the office'. I, as chair, suggested that it might allow members to get to know each other better, providing a better understanding between members. After much discussion, Charles Thorntons suggestion of a cruise on the new 'Lady Wakefield', operated by Ullswater Steamers, was the best. Charles has since contacted the company, with the suggestion, with the agreement that the Forum would seek 'mutally beneficial publicity'.
The consultation document for the Penrith Museum Review was presented to the forum. The members agreed with the majority of the recommendations, but 'adaptations option 1' was favoured.
Following a lively debate on the Blue Badge Scheme consultation document, it was agreed certain comments would be put forward, including making the notice 'Front-Display this side uo' e bigger and more obvious. It was also thought that enforcement of disabled parking bays should be improved, and that traffic wardens should be more sympathetic to drivers with a disabibility. Ray Beare would forward these comments by 19th June.
The proposal for a debate on 'The Extremities of Disability' was enthusiastically received. It was sugested this could be a chance to clarify what can often be a 'grey area'. With clarification of the boundaries, it might become clearer how to go beyond them. Speakers will be looked into for this proposed event.
The next discussion was the finance of the forum. The percieved benefits of becoming a charity were explained to members, and Ray briefly described how this might be achieved. I, as chairman, feel that if we were in control of our own funds, we might be able to achieve much more, funding more events and influencing developments with grant assistance as we have done in the past. Ray had examples of Access Groups in the geographical area which are bening run as charities, and it was agreed that he would contact one of these to discuss their experience, to inform any decision the Forum might make.
The last business of the meeting was to inform members of the Disability Network Conference, which five members of the Forum are attending, on the 2nd of July. This is an opportunity to meet likeminded people, publicise the DES and the forums involvement in it. A report will be made to the forum at the next meeting.
_________________________________________________
If anything in this post interests you, or you have a query for myself or the forum, please leave a comment, and I will get back to you.
Greg Sadler
The main points in this meeting were the DES, and the Access Surveys. A report was given on a recent meeting of the DES reference group, and a relevance assessment of the councils Policy and Strategy Documents was put forward for comment. It was agreed that a small sub-group should examine this and consider how to proceed with assessing the ‘impact’ of each policy.
The survey form had been agreed, and names provided by Sound Advice Cumbria and Eden Voluntary Society for the Blind, who might be able to help. Ray Beare agreed to contact them before a meeting to confirm the final groups. Each group will survey one of six areas in the town centre.
Dave Spence of Capita, forwarded a programme of dropped kerbs. These were in Sandgate, outside Scotts Fish Restaurant, Lazonby Main Street between Co-op and Railway station junction, various on Anchor Close/Macadam Way in Penrith, Cookson Court/Newton Road in Penrith, various in Pategill, Penrith, and the junction of Askham Cresent with Friars Road/Close was suggested by a member, as was the right hand side of Friars Road/Close.
The suggestion of a social event for the Forum was raised again. Most of the members realised the benefits of meeting 'outside the office'. I, as chair, suggested that it might allow members to get to know each other better, providing a better understanding between members. After much discussion, Charles Thorntons suggestion of a cruise on the new 'Lady Wakefield', operated by Ullswater Steamers, was the best. Charles has since contacted the company, with the suggestion, with the agreement that the Forum would seek 'mutally beneficial publicity'.
The consultation document for the Penrith Museum Review was presented to the forum. The members agreed with the majority of the recommendations, but 'adaptations option 1' was favoured.
Following a lively debate on the Blue Badge Scheme consultation document, it was agreed certain comments would be put forward, including making the notice 'Front-Display this side uo' e bigger and more obvious. It was also thought that enforcement of disabled parking bays should be improved, and that traffic wardens should be more sympathetic to drivers with a disabibility. Ray Beare would forward these comments by 19th June.
The proposal for a debate on 'The Extremities of Disability' was enthusiastically received. It was sugested this could be a chance to clarify what can often be a 'grey area'. With clarification of the boundaries, it might become clearer how to go beyond them. Speakers will be looked into for this proposed event.
The next discussion was the finance of the forum. The percieved benefits of becoming a charity were explained to members, and Ray briefly described how this might be achieved. I, as chairman, feel that if we were in control of our own funds, we might be able to achieve much more, funding more events and influencing developments with grant assistance as we have done in the past. Ray had examples of Access Groups in the geographical area which are bening run as charities, and it was agreed that he would contact one of these to discuss their experience, to inform any decision the Forum might make.
The last business of the meeting was to inform members of the Disability Network Conference, which five members of the Forum are attending, on the 2nd of July. This is an opportunity to meet likeminded people, publicise the DES and the forums involvement in it. A report will be made to the forum at the next meeting.
_________________________________________________
If anything in this post interests you, or you have a query for myself or the forum, please leave a comment, and I will get back to you.
Greg Sadler
Tuesday, 19 June 2007
Current and Ongoing Projects
Life on the Forum is never dull. Never a meeting goes by without something new being brought to the table. We do, however, have certain projects which will last throughout most of the year. In 2007, we are dealing with two primary issues, the Councils Disability Equality Scheme, and our own Town Centre Survey. The Disability Equality Scheme, or DES, involves looking at the Councils policies and procedures and deciding which are the most relevant to people with disabilities, and assessing their impact for those people. This information will then be used to advise the councils Disability Equality Scheme.
The survey is carried out annually, and is designed to give as accurate a picture as possible of the accessibility of local shops and businesses. This project is now in its second year, and so this is the first opportunity we've had to compare results, so it could be really interesting. In my personal view, this is probably the most important part of the forums work. Hopefully we can start to see where things are going right, and where they're not doing so well, which might allow us to target our work or advice to particular areas.
Other than these two current main objectives, as you will see, we deal with a number of local and national organisations, looking to improve the lives of disabled people in Eden through improvements to all areas of life, including transport, housing, and leisure to name a few.
The survey is carried out annually, and is designed to give as accurate a picture as possible of the accessibility of local shops and businesses. This project is now in its second year, and so this is the first opportunity we've had to compare results, so it could be really interesting. In my personal view, this is probably the most important part of the forums work. Hopefully we can start to see where things are going right, and where they're not doing so well, which might allow us to target our work or advice to particular areas.
Other than these two current main objectives, as you will see, we deal with a number of local and national organisations, looking to improve the lives of disabled people in Eden through improvements to all areas of life, including transport, housing, and leisure to name a few.
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