WORK carried out in the last two years to improve access for the disabled in Tavistock was outlined at Tavistock Access Group's annual meeting.

Chairman Paul Slater-Lindsay told members the group had carried out a mobility audit for Tavistock, which found a large number of dropped kerbs were still needed.

'Over 30 sites were visited with the county engineers, and the result can now be seen all over the town — dropped kerbs, small ramps to ease the way on to higher bits of pavement, and generally making life a bit better for the disabled person in Tavistock.'

He said there was still more to do. A new edition of the Tavistock Access Guide had been produced surveying more than 350 premises, but would have to be updated again.

'Even as we were getting ready to go to press, things were changing, and we are well aware that this new guide is now behind times in as much as shops and other premises have changed hands in the last couple or three months,' said Mr Slater-Lindsay.

And of the survey results he said: 'Whilst it is heartening to note that about 30% of those premises pose no problems for the disabled, it is unacceptable that in 12% of premises, disabled people are effectively barred from entering, owing to access problems.

'This leaves over 58% of shops and public buildings in Tavistock where some difficulties will be found by the disabled person.'

By October 2004, government legislation will require disabled access to all public buildings to be included in all new buildings and those undergoing refurbishment.

Copies of the Tavistock Access Guide 2002 edition are free, and will be available from most town council and social service outlets.