British town puts police chief, city officials in wheelchairs to highlight access problems

From BBC News:

A top police officer, an MP and council chief will attempt to get around a town in wheelchairs to highlight problems faced by people with disabilities.

Brecknock Access Group said its "big challenge" would illustrate what its members went through on a daily basis.

Ian Arundale from Dyfed-Powys Police and Brecon and Radnorshire MP Roger Williams are joined by Powys council chief executive Jeremy Patterson.

The challenge in Brecon (pictured) on Friday will also see the three blindfolded.

Brecknock Access Group (BAG) vice-chairman Alex Robinson said Mr Arundale, Mr Patterson and Mr Williams would be asked to find their way around Brecon in a wheelchair and then blindfolded.

"We don't have as many pavements in Brecon anymore after changes to the town centre so motorists take less care parking," he added.

Ian Arundale is joining Roger Williams and Jeremy Patterson in the challenge
"It's a nightmare getting around the town, so we're hoping the challenge will show the people in authority what it's like."

MP Mr Williams said: "Even the simplest task of popping to town to buy a paper or a loaf of bread can cause difficulties for people with disabilities.

"Wheelchair users and people who are blind or partially sighted face particular problems when cars are parked on pavements or signs are placed in the way. New road layouts and shared surfaces also cause problems.

"I am pleased to be able to support Brecknock access and help to raise awareness of this important issue."

Chief Constable Mr Arundale said taking part in this exercise would enables him to "feel the difficulties some people encounter daily".

He added: "We are working hard at Dyfed-Powys Police to ensure that all aspects of diversity and equality are a core part of our day to day work and we recently launched a single equality scheme for the force that integrates all the strands."