Chair: David Foster – Tel: 01788 544991 Secretary: John Burrell – Tel 01788 533796
Rugby Disability Forum – Ordinary Meeting
Held at Hamilton House, Tuesday 20th December 2005 @ 10.00 a.m.
Present: Pam Jones, Sue Hillman, Derek Hillman, Clem Griffiths, Chris Holman, Sheena Corbett, Suzanna Vandervelden, I Haxton, Anne Clarke, Pat Clarke, Tony Woffenden, Martin Eversfield, Marion Hersey, Robin Richter, Lionel Broughton, Cliff Dennis, Gillian Brown, Peter Jackson, Geoff Wilde, Andrew Cowan, Daphne Johnson, Desiré Lambert, John Burrell, Brian Edwards, Eileen Cowen
1. Presentation: by Chris Hagyard of Virgin Trains
David welcomed Chris on behalf of the Forum.
Chris opened by stating that he had worked in the Rail Industry for over 25 years and was currently the Franchise Manager for Virgin Trains West Coast Main Line. In addition his role encompassed representing Virgin Trains on the Association of Train Operating Companies Disability Group. This existed in order to establish a unified approach across all Franchised Rail Networks.
Chris explained that the Strategic Rail Authority has now been disbanded. Its responsibilities are now enacted by the Department of Transport Rail Division.
Virgin Trains and other networks are accountable to the Department of Transport under the Terms of their Franchise Lease. This means that they have to comply with the D.D.A amongst other legislation.
Since 1998 all new trains comply with set standards of accessibility. It is intended that improvements will continue.
Everybody should be aware that there is a National Computerised Assisted Travel System where clients can book a through journey across several networks and be assisted throughout. Virgin Trains and Crosscountry Trains Limited have a Virgin Trains Journey Care Reservation Service which can be contacted on Tel. 08457 443366 or (08457 443367 textphone) between 0800 and 2200 daily except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. A detailed explanation is available in a booklet entitled “Disabled Peoples Protection Policy”. In single telephone call to this number its is possible to obtain travel information and advice about the most appropriate station to use, arrange any assistance which may be required and using a debit or charge card, purchase the ticket for the journey. A minimum of 24 hours notice is recommended to arrange assistance at stations.
A separate booklet was issued at the meeting titled “Rail Travel for Disabled Passengers”. This booklet is published by the Association of Train Operating Companies on behalf of the train companies.
The booklet sets out the procedure and conditions for obtaining a disabled persons railcard. This allows you to buy discounted rail tickets. If another adult is travelling with you they can also travel at the same discounted rate.
Chris advised that the upgrading of Station facilities is the most challenging of all since most stations were built in the 19th Century. An on going programme of improvement is in place.
Rugby Station will receive a substantial uplift but this will not be for another two years and is part of a wider development scheme for the West Coast main line.
At this point Chris took questions from the floor and undertook to provide answers to the specific questions raised.
The group thanked Chris for an informative and interesting presentation.
2. Apologies
Gloria Lawley-Ord, Marla Solanki, Jack Lawton, Joanne Roberts, Krys Pietrecki, Joyce Carter, John Higgs, Patsy Newsam
3. Correspondence
Robin Richter gave a short presentation relating to the proposal to install “Public Information Pillars”. These will be installed out of the flow of foot traffic. The pillars will be used by local business to advertise. A trial will take place with three. It is intended to have 17 eventually. A proposal document was made available. Any comments relating to this proposal should be directed to David Foster who will forward them on behalf of the forum. David thanked Robin Richter for his presentation to the forum as representative of the Town Centre Partnership.
4. Minutes of the Last Meeting 20/12/05
These were agreed as being a true and accurate record.
5. Matters Arising
All matters arising from the last meeting were considered to be covered by the day’s agenda.
6. Committee Report
The committee met on the 13th December 2005 four points are listed for information.
1. Dropped Kerbs
There is a need to form a group from the forum to move this forward in 2006. Volunteers will be needed at our next forum meeting.
Shopwatch
Gillian agreed to be the lead person on this and she will type up a list of inaccessible premises from the last survey.
Taxis and Parking
John Kerslake of Warwickshire County Council is to be asked to give a presentation to the Forum in April 2006.
Police Station Access
Inspector Les Twynholm is to be invited to attend a Committee meeting in March to discuss what the police are doing about procedures for disabled people at the Police Station.
7. Reports
Community Transport
The Community Transport Scheme will help groups to set up transport schemes – identify costs and possible ongoing costs together with funding. Lloyds T.S.B have helped others and a book is available; Eileen reported as follows:-
Community Transport Schemes
Following request from David Foster at last forum meeting I have researched the idea of Developing a Community Transport Scheme in Rugby.
There is an Organisation called Community Transport. www.CommunityTransport.com
As a group you need to:
Identify Need
Identify type of Vehicle required
New or used Vehicle
Identify cost of Vehicle
Identify ongoing costs
Access Funding – apply for grants
Council
Lottery
Community Fund
Business (Lloyds TSB are good for giving funding to community groups)
Community Transports has a book called LETS GET GOING that costs £7.50 which assists you to develop your scheme and advise on applying for funding.
They can also arrange for a member of their team to come out and give a talk.
Advice line 0845 130 6195
8. Items for Discussion
(a) Refuse Collection
R.B.C. Works Services Unit have been requested to replace wheelie bins in a place where they are not a hazard to people with disability. Keep monitoring and advise David of any major concerns.
P.P.I
Desiré Lambert discussed the current initiative regarding access in and out of G.P. surgeries and dental practices. A working party is being set up and Ann Clarke volunteered to be part of this.
Patients views on the Out of Hours service are being sought. A meeting is to be held on the 1st February 2005 at the Betts Hall. Time 6pm. The invitation is extended to members of the forum whose thoughts are sought as part of the Consultation Procedure.
New Shop – Rent Mobility
Suzanne Vandervelden gave a very comprehensive presentation on the services and products available at her and Pauls new shop at 43, Cymbeline Way, Bilton, Rugby, CV22 6JZ Telephone: 01788 810666.
Suzanne stated that they have an an out of hours service up to 9.00pm. An on-call engineer up to 9.00pm.
Any suitable product can be sourced such as temporary ramps, Cheque Book Templates.
They are also capable of organising Access alterations together with surveys.
All of this with Free Delivery or consultations at home. You are invited to pop in and have a chat.
Meeting Closed at 12.15pm.
Next Meeting 31st January 2006
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All.