ON September 16, at the offices of Devon Social Services, Tavistock and District Access Group will be holding its AGM and also launching a new edition of the Access Guide for Tavistock, which has been funded by a Lottery Grant for local groups.

This guide is now in its third edition, and there are still many problems of access for people with disabilities, whether or not they use a wheelchair.

Over the last two years the group has been involved, with others, in the siting and provision of dropped kerbs, positioning of advertising boards on pavements, and have generally tried to make Tavistock an easier place for those with disabilities.

In 1995 the Disability Discrimination Act was created and enacted in 1997. Over the next 15 months or so, more parts of this act will come into force, meaning that access must, where possible, be provided for people with disabilities. The group will be monitoring local developments over this period, and will be available for advice for either the trader or the disabled person.

All these activities need people and time. The group meets quarterly, and we would be very pleased to meet new people (disabled or able-bodied) who would like to join us.

The AGM will be held, by courtesy of Devon Social Services, at their offices in Abbey Rise (off Whitchurch Road) at 6.30pm.

Paul W Slater-Lindsay

Tavistock and District Access Group

c/o Devon Social Services

Abbey Rise

Tavistock