Southend Central Area Action Plan (SCAAP) Preferred Approach 2015

Comment

Representation ID: 2427

Received: 01/03/2016

Respondent: National Federation for the Blind

All shops in the High street should have flat entrances and therefore be totally accessible for all customers including disabled people. Shops should not have A-boards or other obstacles outside them, restricting the safe passage of pedestrians especially Blind people. If restaurants and cafes want to have tables outside then they must have a metre high barrier, preventing blind people from walking in to them.
When market stalls are positioned in the high street it is very difficult and dangerous for blind and partiality sighted people to walk.

Comment

Representation ID: 2428

Received: 01/03/2016

Respondent: National Federation for the Blind

With reference to employment opportunities, consideration should be given to the employment of people with disabilities. The Council does have a responsibility under the Equality Act to take the needs of disable people in to account.

Comment

Representation ID: 2429

Received: 01/03/2016

Respondent: National Federation for the Blind

In section 65 you talk about new housing in the Central area. This should include housing for elderly and disabled people. I think you should also have sheltered housing and homes for elderly and disabled people. This would enable elderly and disabled people to walk to shops and take an active part in the life of their community.

Comment

Representation ID: 2430

Received: 01/03/2016

Respondent: National Federation for the Blind

In paragraph 75 all student accommodation should also be made fully accessible, so that not only disabled students can live there but they can be visited by their friends and family.

Comment

Representation ID: 2431

Received: 01/03/2016

Respondent: National Federation for the Blind

There are many guide dog owners who live in the Southend district and close to the high street as well as many that visit the high street for shopping and holidays. Currently there is no safe free running areas for our dogs and nowhere is there an area where our dogs can go to the toilet. Up to the time when the Odeon cinema was built in Victoria Circus area, there was always some grass where our dogs could go. Although our dogs are trained to go in a gutter there are very few of these now except in a few side streets. So please plan for designated areas close to bus and train stations and to shops. You cannot complain about dog mess when no areas are provided.
When building blocks of flats and other housing this should also be provided, not only for guide dog owners but for other dog owners. Green areas should be provided with seating and shelters. The shelters to protect people from the rain and hot sun. There is no mention of Public Toilets in the document and they should be available throughout the town in shopping areas and green space areas.

Comment

Representation ID: 2432

Received: 01/03/2016

Respondent: National Federation for the Blind

In paragraph 99 which refers to Landmark buildings, these buildings can help blind and partially sighted people to locate where they are, so long as they are well lit and have good colour contrast with their surroundings. Also tactile information should be given and provided. For example, a water fountain or chiming clock can help to find a building.

Comment

Representation ID: 2433

Received: 01/03/2016

Respondent: National Federation for the Blind

All pedestrian areas should be kept free of obstacles, and no cycling should be allowed in these areas. All walking areas should be well lit, and where there are seats they should be so positioned that they do not cause a hazard.

Comment

Representation ID: 2434

Received: 01/03/2016

Respondent: National Federation for the Blind

Parking should be provided for disabled drivers close to shops. There is no mention of parking for disabled people in the document.

Comment

Representation ID: 2435

Received: 01/03/2016

Respondent: National Federation for the Blind

There should be bus routes to cover all parts of the town these should be reliable, frequent, accessible and available 7 days a week and at Bank holidays. Currently there are no bus routes from Chalkwell to the Kursaal.

Comment

Representation ID: 2436

Received: 01/03/2016

Respondent: National Federation for the Blind

There is no mention of Public toilets or day centres for disabled people.