New YH Regional Campaigns Officer (Tracy Dearing) was quick off the mark during her first week in the role.
A request for help to improve pavement access during market days at Northallerton was made to RNIB by Kevin Grainger. A proliferation of Advertising ('A') Boards and encroachment by market traders were the main problems.
When Tracy met Kevin, he explained that his brother is partially sighted and that he now has the same eye condition and that his sight is deteriorating. Kevin was clearly worried about being able to move around independently in future.
Tracy (who is also partially sighted) then went on a 'walkabout' to experience the problems herself.
Letters have now been sent to North Yorkshire CC to clarify policy and to enforce legislation to prevent pavement obstructions.