Residents of Cheshire are being urged not to miss their chance to take part in a major accessibility consultation.
The County Council is seeking the views of communities to find out the ease with which they can access essential services such as their doctor’s surgery, their place of work and local shops.
Factors including travel time, cost and location of facilities will be considered in the consultation, which will help to identify priorities as part of a review of Cheshire’s Accessibility Strategy.
Highways and Transportation Executive Member Eveleigh Moore-Dutton said: “It is important that the revised strategy reflects the experience of service users and Cheshire residents, and the priorities reflect those people most in need and those who have the most difficulty in accessing essential services.”
A proposed priority for action is the needs of rural communities as it is recognised that people in these areas often have to travel further to access essential services and can face particular accessibility problems.
The County Council has introduced several initiatives designed to co-ordinate and integrate passenger transport services for the benefit of local communities.
For example, the Malpas area flexible service introduced last year provides a wheelchair accessible minibus combining a school transport service with day care, demand responsive and scheduled shopping trips.
The County Council is already working in partnership with Cheshire Community Action to understand the needs of rural communities but residents’ views are a key part of the strategy review.
The consultation closes on September 19. The revised Accessibility Strategy will be taken forward next year by Cheshire West and Chester and Cheshire East unitary authorities.
A consultation document and questionnaire can be found on the County Council’s website www.cheshire.gov.uk/accessibilityplanning and copies can also be obtained by contacting 01244 977222.
