Inquiry launched to make Southampton more accessible
Disabled groups in the city say there are 'still barriers' impacting their lives
Civic chiefs have pledged to look into measures to improve the lives of disabled people in Southampton amid claims that “there are still barriers”.
City leaders are set to team up with experts and local groups to look into how to make Southampton more accessible.
The move could result in a number of measures including improved transport infrastructure and better access to venues.
It comes as campaigners said “there is still an awful lot to be done”.
An inquiry has now been launched in a bid to identify barriers across the city and come up with solutions.
Ian Loynes, chief executive of Southampton-based SPECTRUM Centre for Independent Living, said he expects to see “tangible improvements”.
“Things have moved on a bit but there is still a long way to go before disabled people get access that other people take for granted,” he said.
“Transport is certainly one of the weakest areas in Southampton and not all shops are accessible.”
Mr Loynes will be involved in the inquiry launched by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee at Southampton City Council.
Cllr Lorna Fielker, chair of the committee, said: “I asked for this inquiry. There are still barriers in Southampton for disabled people to move about with independence.
“If you have a disability, whatever that is, it can be difficult to navigate around the city and that could be because we don’t have enough dropped kerbs or it could be to do with a lack of transport links.”
Over the next six months councillors will work with experts and local groups to look at what could be done.
“What I would like, as a result of the inquiry, is that we have a clear idea of what Southampton need to do to be more accessible and there is a commitment from the city council and partners to ensure that that happens,” Cllr Fielker added.
It comes as deputy leader Cllr Jeremy Moulton said improving accessibility is part of a wider plan to improve pavements across the city.
He added: “The inquiry will help because this not going to be a one off investment.
“We are looking to allocate some immediate money but we expect that there will be more money in the future years as well.”