MARGARET Hamer and Jack Andow have raised some important issues about disability access in Ludlow but Adrian Kibbler says that disability is about much more than mobility.

THERE is no doubt that disability discrimination legislation has played an important part in raising awareness of an issue that is of importance to all of us.

The Ludlow Access Group and people like Margaret Hamer and Jack Andow have done the community an excellent service in helping to draw attention about the issues around accessibility.

When we think about disability there is a tendency for our thoughts to immediately turn to people with some form of mobility impairment.

But disability, if that is the right word and I do not think that it is, covers much more than mobility.

The fact is that someone in a wheelchair or on a mobility scooter clearly has a problem whereas someone with poor hearing or less than eagle-like sight is missed unless they have a visible hearing aid, white stick or guide dog.

Someone with dyslexia, who might find it difficult to read signs and instructions, goes completely unnoticed.

I do not consider myself disabled but truth to tell my hearing is not improved by the passing years. Hearing what is going on in Ludlow Town Council is not easy and it is not only me who says so but it’s a complaint from others in the public gallery.

Ludlow Town Council office, in the former courthouse in Mill Street, has also been singled out for criticism because of the steep steps.

It is an old building that has protected status and so there is a limit in what can be done either with respect to the acoustics or access.

The bottom line is that, although in many ways impressive and historical, the Guildhall is not suitable anymore as a public building without major changes which probably cannot be afforded and may well not be allowed because the building is listed.

After a lot of negotiation, a lift has been installed at The Buttercross that is to become a heritage and education centre. This is excellent news until it is realised that there are steps on the way to and from the lift that make access incredibly difficult, if not impossible, for people in wheelchairs or with mobility scooters.

Disability legislation applies to both the private and public sectors but surely there is a special need for public bodies to set an example.

While it has its critics, by and large the legislation around disability discrimination contains a lot of common sense.

It recognises that cost can be prohibitive and that, in some cases, buildings cannot be altered to make accessibility easy.

The requirement is to make ‘reasonable adjustment’ which, in the case of a building with difficult steps, might just mean installing a buzzer which someone who needs assistance can use.

Despite the problems with old buildings, the word from people like Jack Andow is that most shop-keepers in Ludlow try to be as helpful as they can.

It is not only the right thing to do but also makes business sense as the best way for someone who is not being treated well to shown their displeasure is by spending their money elsewhere.