A GROUP of campaigners are working hard to make the district’s streets safer for the blind community.

Members of the Royal National Institute of Blind People, the Braintree deafblind user group and a representative of Guide Dogs UK met on Tuesday to discuss the issues affecting the blind.

The group were also more than happy to provide a glimpse into the life of someone who is blind or partially sighted, with the help of a blindfold and a trained guide.

Braintree District Council’s Andrew Hensman (Conservative Party, Braintree Central and Beckers Green) was taken on a tour or Braintree as he'd never experienced before.

Mr Hensman said: “With all that is going on in the town centre. They want to rebuild the bus park and the streets are getting worse and worse, this needs to be thought about.

“The problem is where we get it right for the able bodied, we do not necessarily get it right for those with sight problems.

“If we can get it right for people who have sight loss then we get it right for everybody else as well.”

Annette Bosworth, an RNIB campaigner and guide dog user, said: “The purpose of today is about educating people.

“One of the things I have had to do is change my GP surgery because my guide dog could not find a safe route from my home to the practice.

"A lot of the issues we raise also effect people with wheelchairs and mums with buggies."

The group have been looking into the placing of A-Boards in Braintree town centre, and in a recent survey found a staggering 151 were placed precariously - more surveys are planned for Halstead and Witham town centres.

Sam Tracey, a trustee for support for sight, said: "In Chelmsford town centre we have managed to get a zero tolerance policy on A Boards.

"That success is part of the reason we want to bring it to other parts of Essex."

Louise Jenkins, community engagement officer for Guide Dogs UK, said: "97% of people with sight loss encounter problems with street clutter, such as shop advertising boards or pavement café furniture.

"A clearer high street, where obstacles like A-boards and café furniture are placed consistently, leaving plenty of room for pedestrians to walk past, not only makes it a safer place for those who are blind or partially sighted, but also a nicer, more inviting place for all shoppers."

The group will now gather their findings in a report which will be submitted to Braintree Council.