Blind and partially sighted residents in Brighton are delighted that all their hard work to save their RNIB Talking Books service is about to pay off.
On 9 February campaigners heard that Brighton and Hove council had overturned proposals to cut the service.
Diane Fazackarley, from Bevendean, Brighton, who was born totally blind, and has been a wheelchair user for the past 20 years said:
"I can't go to the library on my own but I can make it to the post box to return my Talking Books. Most Talking Book users are older people who don't get out a lot and don't have a lot of money and the Council wanted to take away one of their only few pleasures."
Diane joined other campaigners to present a petition of 80 signatures and gave an impassioned presentation at a Cabinet meeting, including raising central issues around the accessibility of the consultation process. Several councillors were quite clearly moved by what Diane had to say and a very positive response from the Cabinet Member for culture and tourism followed, including a statement that a fund has been made available to ensure RNIB books will not be lost in the coming year.
The assurances relate only to year 1 of a 2 year budget, so campaigners are prepared for the fight to be back on next year. But for now, well done to everyone involved in the Brighton campaign!
Hear Diane's impassioned speech on the Council web cast.
She presents the petition roughly seven minutes in to the webcast