Disabled residents ‘left living in blocked streets’ by Central 6, campaigners say
DISABLED residents have been ‘disadvantaged’ by the Central 6 Streets Plan, campaigners say.
The traffic changes in Latchford and Westy were introduced by Warrington Borough Council last summer in a bid to reduce vehicle traffic and improve conditions for those walking, cycling, and living along the streets.
The plan, which campaigners say 87 per cent of disabled people strong oppose, involved the installation of planters, known as modal filters, which blocked off busy roads, including Grange Avenue.
But members of the group Campaign to Scrap Central 6 Streets Plan say disabled residents feel ‘disadvantaged’ due to the changes – which they want to be ‘reversed’.
A spokesperson for the group said: "Warrington Council has a duty to make sure its departments are not disadvantaging disabled residents and all protected characteristic groups.
“Those with disabilities have spoken after living with blocked streets for months.
“87 per cent want the Westy road blocks gone.
“They want to reverse the increase in traffic jams and pollution so those who care for them can spend more time with them, so the air is less polluted and so they and their families and friends can move freely and visit with ease."
Campaigners also say that the council’s Equalities Impact Assessment report warned that people with disabilities might be negatively impacted – specifically relating to their mobility and increases in journey times for themselves or people providing support or care to them in their homes.
“It looks like this has turned out to be the case,” a spokesperson for the group added.
“Disabled residents have been disadvantaged.
“The council's own Equalities Impact Assessment report warned that 19 per cent of people living in the area have a disability or long-term health problem and 10 per cent of the total population in the study area have a disability which limits their day-to-day activities a lot.”
You can watch the group's video here.
A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “The Westy LTN is still in its trial period to assess the impacts and we continue to take feedback.
“The Equalities Impact Assessment identified a range of potential benefits and risks to people with protected characteristics and these are being fully considered.
“We will be consulting further on this trial in the near future, with details to be published in due course, and the views of all residents, including those with disabilities will continue to be taken on board, to help inform a recommendation on whether the scheme is installed permanently or not.”
