TAVISTOCK Access Group was formed in 1990 and over these 20 years has worked with the shopkeepers, business managers and Devon County Highways to improve the local environment for those with physical and mobility problems, also for parents with pushchairs.

In 2004 the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act Part III) came into legislation which gave those with disabilities important rights of access to every day services. This reinforced our Group's aims and objectives examples being, various ramps, dropped kerbs, grab handles, excellent disabled toilet facilities and automated doors at Boots and the Post Office. Also, every two years we have published an Access Guide which has been well received, but recently has been out of date even before publication due to the many shop/business changes in the town.

We will be holding our annual meeting this year at the Anchorage Centre at 6pm on Tuesday October 19 and at the beginning of the meeting a proposal will be debated as to whether the group will continue or disband. The present chairman, Judith Williams, secretary, Angela Bradford and Mary Elliott, one of the founder members of the group, will be standing down from office and retiring from the group. If any previous members wish to attend this meeting we would be delighted to see them.

At the moment we are trying to make safer pedestrian access to Tavistock Hospital. Having to park in Watts Road due to the limited parking on site, crossing to the Hospital, whether walking, with buggy/wheelchair, or especially if hard of hearing or visually impaired, is not only very stressful but dangerous.

We have asked for improved dropped kerbs and better signage in the area, to make drivers more aware of people crossing. Devon County Council has agreed to look at the problem if we can provide some statistics.

We therefore plan to have at hospital reception a tick box form for patients, staff and visitors to complete in order to reinforce our request for this signage. We hope this will not be an inconvenience and if anyone would like to report any specifically bad experience when crossing please contact Judith Williams on 01822 616502 or 35 Chollacott Close, Tavistock, PL19 9BW.

A recent issue that concerns us (Times, September 9) is the proposal to remove the double yellow lines outside Fashion Direct. This is a well used short time parking area for blue badge holders since the last set of traffic orders which removed most of the on street parking in the side roads.

Judith Williams

Chairman, Tavistock Access Group