TWO council workers have been working closely with a campaigner to investigate the issues affecting people with disabilities.

As part of Hate Crime Awareness Week the staff from Darlington Borough Council decided to look into issues affecting people with disabilities.

Jim Welch, who is the founder and chair of Blind Life, joined Andrew Allison and Paul Ibbertson from the council for a tour of Darlington town centre to share his experiences as a person who is blind and uses a wheelchair.

Mr Welch, who is also a member of the Joint Hate Crime Action Group, had raised concerns about how sometimes people with disabilities were subjected to abuse and hate crime when trying to negotiate their way around streets and shops.

He said: “People often park cars on paths or verges, or place bins too far out on the pavements not realising that they may be blocking the way for someone who is using a wheelchair or who is blind or partially sighted.

“Most people will move the car or obstruction when asked, but there are some people who will actually shout abuse and swear at the person who has raised the issue.”

Mr Ibbertson, who is a Traffic Manager with the council, said, “During the tour around the town it was pleasing to note how the dropped kerbs made things much easier for wheelchair users, as well as people with pushchairs and buggies.

“The council has produced a document in collaboration with Darlington Association on Disability called ‘Pavements for People’ which is a helpful guide for businesses and contractors carrying out work on or near public roads and footpaths.”

Mr Allison, who is part of the council’s new Community Safety team, said: “It was enlightening going around with Jim and we are going to use the information from this and from other discussions with representative groups to continue improving our town, so everyone can feel safe whether they are working, visiting or socialising. Hate crime will not be tolerated and I urge anyone who is subject to hate crime to report it to the police.”

A hate crime is an incident that is motivated by hostility or prejudice against disability, race, religion, transgender identity or sexual orientation.

You can report it via 999 for emergencies, 101 for non-emergencies, or you can contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 and make the report anonymously.

For more information about Hate Crime Awareness Week, which runs until this Saturday, you can visit nationalhcaw.uk