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Disabled people celebrate as bus company makes changes to rural service |
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Sunday, 09 March 2008 |
Disabled people and parents on the route of the number 54 bus between Stalham and Hoveton can finally use the service again, now that Trevor Ivory has won an assurance from First Eastern Counties that the company will stop using coaches on the route.
“The steep steps on the coaches that First was using on the route were impossible for many people, especially those in wheelchairs, to get on and off,” explained Trevor Ivory, “but I am pleased that the Managing Director of First has now agreed that buses will always be used on the route except in an emergency, when a bus has broken down.”
Mr Taylor of Ludham, the full-time carer for wheelchair bound Mr Grimmer and cannot leave him at home on his own said, “I do not own a car so I am completely dependent on the bus to get to Stalham to go to the bank and the shops. Using coaches on the route has stopped me from getting out unless I use a taxi, which is very expensive. I have been trying for a long time to get First to stop using the coaches and I am delighted that Mr Ivory has managed to convince them to help people like me.”
Mr Ivory added, “Since my 18 month old son was born I have begun to understand the difficulties that people in wheelchairs face every day. It is bad enough trying to get a pushchair onto a coach, but when you are in a wheelchair it must be impossible. Unfortunately, the Government gave bus companies an exemption from the Disability Discrimination Act until 2017, so we cannot insist on them providing disabled-friendly buses but I am pleased that First has agreed to do what it can in the meantime.”
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