Robert Halfon, MP for Harlow will today present a disability charter petition to Harlow Council along with the support of other Harlow-based charities, schools and organisations to promote improved disability access across the constituency.
Mr Halfon is planning on presenting six different initiatives to Harlow Council on the 8th September 2022, which include measures such as: enforcing the proper access to council-owned disabled parking spaces and toilets, tackling the impact of dropped-kerbs and their obstruction to those less able, and improving the lives of blind residents within the hospitality industry. A number of representatives for the organisations will also be in attendance.
Commenting on the Charter, Robert has said:
“Disability access is an issue that is close to my heart. I know very well what it is like to have a disability, as I suffered with a rare form of Cerebral Palsy growing up. I now suffer from osteoarthritis due in part to many operations, and walk using crutches.
“I have been campaigning for better disabled access in Parliament and more locally for Harlow residents for many years. I’m glad that the Government is already spending over £55bn on disability support which is the highest of any other developed country in the world.
“I am grateful for the help and support of almost twenty charities and organisations in Harlow in signing the petition and working with me to improve disability access across our town.
“However, there are still barriers for many Harlow residents which must be resolved so that we can play a full part in the community. These issues have been ignored for too long and I hope this charter proves that small things can sometimes make a big difference and by engaging disabled people, their families, carers and organisations, collectively we will deliver real and lasting change.
“Simple measures such as enforcing blue badge parking or removing barriers on high-streets for the blind community, will go such a long way in changing the lives of those less able in Harlow and the villages.
“It can be hard to step into someone else’s shoes, but as someone with a disability, I know that even small changes can make all the difference to local life. I hope the Council votes to accept my petition and takes on the recommendations outlined in the Charter to accommodate all Harlow residents as we build an even better Harlow together.”
