A GROUP formed to promote the needs of those with physical, sensory or mobility problems will launch its third Access Guide at its annual meeting on September 16.
Tavistock and District Access Group was formed in 1990 and offers advice to individuals and local authorities on all aspects of access provision.
A spokesperson said the group's aims to include the local area had not been achieved, possibly because it was so rural, but access groups had been formed in Okehampton and Crediton, together with a Countryside Access for Dartmoor National Park group.
Access officers on West Devon Borough Council are committee members on the Tavistock group, providing insight and information into the problems.
Since 1990 the group has had many achievements including appropriately dropped kerbs, improved access to various places and buildings and the positioning of A-frames on pavements.
But she said more work was needed to achieve better access to public phones, and a special taxi provided for wheelchairs — which was also used by parents with buggies — no longer operated.
'In 2002 there are still problems for those with disabilities — some are local, some more general. However, there is more demand to be part of the community in all aspects. The previous work of access groups has helped to achieve this, but there is more to do,' she said.
Much work undertaken by access groups had been encompassed into legislation and the latest area for action was access to goods, facilities and services.
The future would cover education and public transport, and there was a need to monitor progress and make better links with other groups, she added.
TAG meets quarterly. For more information, call Mary Elliot on 01822 614121, Judith Williams on 616502 or the town council on 613529.