Campaigners in Norfolk are celebrating the reinstatement of free 24/7 bus passes for blind people and companion passes, effective from April 2012. Norfolk County Council agreed on 16 January 2012 to reverse their previous decision in early 2011 to withdraw this essential support, following nearly a year of campaigning and lobbying by local residents, RNIB, Action for Blind People and other local groups.
Local campaigner Bernie Reddington played a key role in the campaign, appearing on local radio on a number of occasions. Bernie also took Derrick Murphy, Leader of the Council, and Graham Plant, Member for Planning and Transportation, on a bus wearing sim specs to gain some understanding into the challenges of using buses with sight loss. Following the announcement Bernie said:
"This is a fantastic result. It will make an enormous difference in enabling my family to use the buses with far less stress, letting us access vital services. I'm especially pleased to hear that Graham Plant mentioned in Council today how the bus trip we took in September informed him of the challenges of travelling without a companion. Thanks so much to everyone who has contributed to making this decision possible."
For Norfolk resident Kelci Monaghan, who is deaf and blind, the reversal of these changes is especially dramatic. Kelci and her husband Paul Monaghan have been tireless in writing to and meeting with their local and county councillors to ensure the concessionary bus pass issue was heard. Kelci said:
"Travelling for me will be much easier now that I don't have to worry about what time I leave and can have a companion with me. Before, I never knew how much money to give to the driver and couldn't tell when I'd reached my stop because I can't see or hear. Thank you to the Council for giving me back the support I need to travel independently - I'm over the moon."
If you are concerned about any cuts to social care services in your area, please contact cutswatch@rnib.org.uk