On the 23rd of March a new initiative was launched, which aims to clear up the streets of Leeds. Pavements are for People is a disabled community led project supported by:
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West Yorkshire Police
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RNIB
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National Federation of the Blind UK (Leeds)
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Leeds Access Group
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Leeds City Council
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Guidedogs
The campaign is aimed at preventing parking on pavements, problems with dropped curbs, wheelie bins left out after collection and temporary building work without barriers in residential areas.
Patrols including police and Local Authority officers will target unthinking drivers and residents leaving bins out. They will initially begin in Beeston with enforcement staff sending advice letters to local residents who are blocking pavements.
The project aims to raise awareness about the significant risk that blind and partially sighted people face due to blocked pavements and if successful, will be rolled out to other areas across Leeds.
To find out more information about this campaign contact Tracy Dearing the Regional Campaigns Officer Yorkshire and Humber tracy.dearing@rnib.org.uk