Since late summer of 2024, our charity has been actively engaging with representatives from the council regarding several large-scale changes that will impact the town over the next few years. These include, but are not limited to, the Connected Gateway Project, changes to street trading rules, and ongoing consultations surrounding crime and personal safety in the area.
As a longstanding charity supporting people with visual impairments in Walsall, we are committed to advocating for our community and ensuring that their voices are heard. Our chair, Steve Mellor, and technical officer, Craig Bates, have been challenging the council on its record of engaging with disability groups regarding significant changes to the area. Without direct engagement with affected communities, stressing that accessibility concerns risk being overlooked until it is too late to make meaningful adjustments.
Following direct communication with the leader of the council, Cllr Gary Perry, we secured a face-to-face meeting with key council staff in December 2024. During this meeting, we raised concerns about the lack of consultation and the absence of an umbrella organisation of disability groups that could serve as a bridge between the council and our communities. While the meeting was productive, we emphasized that meaningful engagement must lead to tangible changes. The council expressed a willingness to take our concerns into account moving forward.
As part of an effort to improve dialogue and relationships, we were invited to a town centre walk and debriefing led by Special Programs Director David Moore. He provided an in-person explanation of the upcoming changes under the Connected Gateway project and assured us that our concerns would be considered in the final stages of design and implementation.
On Thursday, 6th March, both Steve and Craig took part in an hour-long walk and discussion with David and members of his team. This allowed us to gain insights into the project that could not easily be conveyed to people with visual impairments through maps and diagrams. Likewise, David and his team were able to experience firsthand the challenges faced by individuals with limited vision, including those using guide dogs or long canes, when navigating unfamiliar or poorly designed spaces.
Of particular concern to us were poorly defined or unmaintained tactile paving at crossing points, steps and ramps with inadequate or missing colour contrast, and insufficient lighting in public spaces. These factors create significant barriers to safe and independent navigation for visually impaired people.
Walsall Eyes found the council to be receptive to our experiences and suggestions. While high-level plans for the project have already been approved, we were reassured that there is still scope to incorporate improvements in the detailed design and implementation phase.
We also believe that the council is beginning to take steps behind the scenes to make future consultations with minority communities more inclusive. However, ongoing engagement and transparency will be key to ensuring that these commitments lead to real, lasting change.
We welcome this opportunity for constructive dialogue and hope that Walsall Council takes meaningful action based on the insights shared.