FOR LAW TO SUCCEED AIRPORTS MUST LISTEN TO DISABLED TRAVELLERS

LEONARD Cheshire Disability says many airports do not meet the needs of disabled passengers one year on, despite EU law.

Since the release of the Leonard Cheshire Disability Now Boarding Survey in 2007 the charity has found disabled travellers are still being discriminated against because of a lack of training for air travel staff on how to provide an accessible service.

The law makes it the responsibility of the airport, whereas previously it was down to the individual airlines, to provide assistance to disabled travellers from arrival at the airport to check in, through departure and boarding.

Katie Turner, Leonard Cheshire Disability’s Senior Campaigns Officer for National Campaigns, said:- “The air travel industry must engage directly with their disabled customers in order to ensure they meet their needs. Airports must ensure that all staff are properly trained and equipped to work with disabled passengers and take the time to listen to and understand their assistance needs.”

Amar Latif is the founder and director of Traveleyes, the first commercial tour operator to specialise in holidays for visually impaired and sighted UK-based travellers.

Amar Latif said:- “There are more than 10 million disabled people in the UK and many more with mobility difficulties. We are a group of people whose needs simply cannot be ignored. It is known that around two and a half million of those travel on a regular basis. I believe that a more positive approach by airports is needed to overcome the fear, prejudice and misconception disabled passengers face. The industry has to listen and engage with disabled travellers and learn from their experiences in order to comply with the law and make our journeys more pleasurable.”

Robbery, Shell Petrol Station, Rainhill

MERSEYSIDE Police have released CCTV images of a man they wish to speak to in connection with a robbery at a petrol station in Rainhill on Wednesday, 24 June 2009.

At about 1.40pm a man entered the Shell petrol station store and produced, what is believed to be, a steak knife and demanded that the staff member opened the till.

The man then took a quantity of cash from the till and also took some cigarettes from the counter before running off along Warrington Road towards Whiston.

'cashier was left very shaken'

No one was injured during the incident, though the cashier was left very shaken.

Police have now released CCTV images of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the robbery.

The man pictured is described as white, with short grey hair and stubble. He is around 5ft 8in and approximately 40 years old. He was wearing black jeans, a short sleeved yellow striped t-shirt, black trainers and dark sunglasses.

Anyone able to identify the man is asked to contact Merseyside Police on:- 0151 777 1565 or Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.

Top Tips for Safe Summer Driving

THE Driving Standards Agency has put together some useful tips to help drivers planning long journeys to their holiday destinations.

In 2008 661 people were killed in road crashes between July and September. Another 6, 704 were seriously injured.

Many drivers will be travelling long distances on unfamiliar roads during the summer break. Following the DSA's summer driving advice will help to ensure that motorists are well prepared for a safe and comfortable journey.

DSA Chief Driving Examiner, Trevor Wedge, said:- “We all want to enjoy the summer holidays from the moment we leave the house. So,if you have a long drive ahead of you then have a look at our tips for safe summer driving to help get your holiday get off to the best possible start."

Summer Driving Tips:-

* Before setting off, ensure that you have enough fuel. Switch off your mobile phone and make sure you are wearing comfortable clothing for driving.

* Stay alert by taking a break of about 15 minutes every two hours at somewhere suitable, such as a service area. Get a good night’s sleep before embarking long journeys and avoid driving between midnight and 6am when natural alertness is at a minimum.

* The driver is responsible for ensuring that passengers under 14 are properly restrained in a seatbelt. If you are taking the family pet on holiday, don’t forget to ensure it is secured for its own and your safety.

* If you are towing a caravan for the first time in a number of years then make sure you are familiar with the relevant changes that have taken place before getting in the driver’s seat. Anyone who is unsure of the rules which apply to those towing caravans should check the DSA website for further information. The Caravan Club offers both caravan and motorhome training courses for drivers who want to brush up on their skills before they set off on holiday.

* Sat-navs are a useful tool but they are not a substitute for route planning. Drivers should be aware of road signs, exercise common sense and use the sat-nav’s estimated time of arrival as a guide, rather than trying to achieve it or better it.

‘Everyone’s 2012’ - the Annual Northwest 2012 Conference

THIS very informative event was held on 24 July 2009. I was very sceptical about what the benefits of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, could be brought to the North West, but this conference opened up our eyes to the possibilities.

The conference, was held at the Novas Contemporary Urban Centre in Liverpool, and was billed as a celebration the region’s achievements in securing Games-related business contracts, attracting world-class teams for Pre Games Training Camps, encouraging people to take part in Cultural Olympiad events and activities, and getting Northwest schools involved in the excitement of the Games.

The event was hosted by Sheldon Phillips, Head of Regional Major Events at the Northwest Regional Development Agency, and guests were the Chairman of the 2012 Nations and Regions Group, Charles Allen, who outlined the opportunities available for the whole of the UK to benefit from The Games. Also Andy Worthington, Chair of the Northwest Steering Group for the 2012 Games, who highlighted the region’s progress so far on its journey to 2012 and the priorities ahead. The event also included a very inspirational talk by GB Paralympian medallist Marc Woods who provided his own unique and personal experience of living the Paralympic dream.

Just before the event Charles Allen, LOCOG Board Member and Chair of the London 2012 Nations and Regions Group, said:- "On the eve of three years to go until the start of the 2012 Games, it is time to celebrate the Northwest’s achievements to date and look at the regional priorities for accruing further benefits over the coming years. The London 2012 Open Weekend begins today and with over 50 events programmed in the Northwest alone, we have further evidence that there are an increasing number of exciting opportunities to get involved in the Games."

Andy Worthington, Chair of the Northwest Steering Group for the 2012 Games, said:- "Over the last 12 months the Northwest has been working hard to ensure the regional benefits of London 2012 come to life. It’s been fantastic to see our businesses, schools and communities getting involved and in particular to welcome our first international athletes to train in the region as they prepare for The Games. Three years from today the world’s greatest sporting event begins in London, just a few hours away from the region, and presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for everyone in the Northwest to get involved. Over the next year we aim to ensure that London 2012 continues to have a positive impact on the Northwest and to build on the success we’ve already achieved."

Sheldon Phillips, Head of Regional Major Events at the NWDA, said:- "We firmly believe that London 2012 is a Games for the whole of the UK and that the benefits will be felt most where regions are proactive and positive about what can be achieved. The Northwest has already been hugely successful in this area. Over the next three years, the challenge will be to focus on growing and develop the positive sporting, social and economic impact that London 2012 can make here."