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