RAISING the profile of the town centre difficulties faced by those with disabilities was the aim of a successful awareness event.

Copeland Disability Forum (CDF) invited councillors, police officers, waste collection and highways staff to take a trip of Whitehaven town centre; half of the group in a wheelchair and half in sight-impairment goggles.

The route highlighted a number of difficult-to-navigate areas for those with mobility issues.

Anne Bradshaw, chair of CDF, said: “We hope the event gave people a taste of what people with disabilities experience on a day-to-day basis. People will never be able to get the full feel of what it is like to be disabled, but hopefully it might make them understand more of why we fight so hard for equality.”

Deputy chair Linda Wilson added: “I think it shows how unsafe it can be for blind people in certain areas. Many blind people are frightened to come into Whitehaven town centre out of fear of falling, which can lead to social isolation.”

Among those taking part was Copeland mayor Mike Starkie, who completed the route in a wheelchair. He said: “It was an enlightening experience for me, and has certainly given me another perspective on the issues facing residents living with disabilities.”

PCSO Steve Bragg, who wore glasses that simulated macular degeneration, said: “It was definitely a challenge and I would not have felt comfortable doing it without somebody guiding me.

“My grandmother was registered blind, so this has shown me how she would have struggled doing everyday things.”

Copeland councillors Jackie and John Bowman took a wheelchair on the route and said the experience was a “brilliant idea” and “enlightening”.

“Some of the streets, like Roper Street for example, are really old and narrow which means you have just about enough space to fit a wheelchair through there with all the obstacles in the way,” said Jackie.

“But, I have to say that some of the shops were really accommodating and helpful.” added John.