MP backs guide dog calls

Jeremy Wright has thrown his weight behind the Guide Dogs for the Blind campaign which hopes to persuade councils to consult with them in the early stages of planning in all major town centre regeneration.

Mr Wright was blindfolded and led through town by guide dog Fay to get an idea of the challenges faced by blind and partially sighted people.

He said: “We all want to see town centres improved. But the improvements should benefit all users, not create no-go areas for some pedestrians.

“When you rely on a guide dog, you realise just how important kerbs and crossings are and how hazardous street furniture can be. Guide dogs offer blind and partially sighted people a remarkable amount of freedom, but careless town planning can threaten that freedom and that is what we need to avoid.”