David Rutley MP has teamed up with Guide Dogs’ to raise awareness of the hazards posed by street clutter.
The Macclesfield MP visited the charity’s crazy golf course and attempted to dodge street clutter in aid of the charity’s Streets Ahead campaign on keeping streets hazard free for guide dogs and their owners.
Street clutter, such as shop advertising boards and wheelie bins, can be a real blight on the UK streetscape and a major problem for pedestrians. It is particularly dangerous and disorientating for blind and partially sighted people – a recent Guide Dogs survey found 97% of visually impaired respondents reported finding it a problem on a daily or weekly basis, 57% had suffered an injury from street clutter and 9% had to receive medical treatment.
David said, “Playing crazy golf is a fun way to spread this serious message. Street clutter has the potential to deter blind and partially sighted people from leaving home alone. It is clear that a few small changes could make a real difference. I am happy to support Guide Dogs’ call for safer pedestrian footpaths.”
James White, Guide Dogs' Campaigns Manager, said, "We are delighted to have David’s support for our campaign. Our streets should be safe and accessible for all pedestrians.”