October Meeting

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.