IN 1991, Ruth Daniells, then working as a disability officer and funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, was tasked with asking disabled people in the Crediton area what was important to them.

Access and transport topped the list.

Crediton & District Access Group came into being in 1992 and under the guidance of Crediton solicitor Arthur King Robinson became a registered charity.

Frank Pankhurst was the first elected chair; Yvonne Pope, secretary; and Ruth Daniells, publicity and liaison officer.

Gillian Carr, a local artist, designed and donated the Group’s distinctive logo used for all its correspondence and printed documents, which can be seen this summer during the Crediton Festival, flying high above the High Street on the group’s new community flag.

From the outset, members were determined that all decision makers would take them seriously as people wishing to take an active part in the community; improving access not just for wheelchair users within the EX17 area, but for those with hearing and visual impairments as well.

The Group’s first task was to meet with Devon Highways to discuss lining up dropped kerbs to make crossing Crediton High Street safer, thus ensuring that wheelchair users did not have to travel along the road itself before being able to reach the other side.

The Group was then invited to advise on other areas in need of dropped kerbs; Mill Street and Newcombes, but have unfortunately, not yet been successful with Exeter Road!

Members went on to join the Crediton swimming pool fundraising committee and their links with Lords Meadow Leisure Centre continue to this day with the group having a major input into any development plans, based on research of what disabled people really need, so that the pool and gym facilities can be enjoyed by all the community.

They joined and contribute to other group projects such as Community Transport, Shopmobility, the Volunteer Centre; talks with Queen Elizabeth’s School students wishing to make a career in social care and, more recently, represented on the Devon Disability Network sharing challenges and solutions with other groups.

The Access Group were invited to suggest improvements within the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and its car parking, and had an input into the plans for Tiverton Hospital.

The group was consulted on the installation of electronic doors and new signage at Crediton Library, ensured that the renovation of the Old Town Hall took into account the needs of disabled people as did the Town Square (still waiting for a handrail at the steps), Upper Deck and the Scout Memorial Garden in Peoples Park.

|The Group campaigned for designated blue-badge parking spaces on the High Street and Market Street and was successful in getting the step removed from the Post Office and securing a lift at the Council Offices in Market Street.

However, they are still looking forward to easier access into both Lloyds and National Westminster Banks!

Over the years the Group has assisted numerous local village halls, sports halls, and churches with improving their access, encouraging them also to include induction loops (a boon for hearing aid users) and clearer signage.

Members have held a disability awareness day attended by more than 50 people, published two editions of the Crediton and District Access Guide (now online and linked to the Town Council website) covering Crediton and neighbouring villages and listing hundreds of local businesses and services from providers of pre-school education to local B&Bs and solicitors.

It is not only the built environment that interests disabled people; access to the countryside is important and to this end members have contributed to the improvement of disabled access to fishing lakes, and to Access Guides for Dartmoor and Exmoor, detailing walks suitable for people with varying levels of disability.

Members continue to seek improvements to rural footpaths and cycle routes; by making these all-inclusive, disabled people have the opportunity of accompanying friends and family (not necessarily always on tarmac paths) so that they, too, can enjoy the ruggedness of the countryside.

Members regularly use the Tarka Trail, having encouraged the reduction in barriers, and are represented on the Boniface Trail Association.

Needless to say, there are still plenty more access challenges closer to home: more accessible toilets alongside general toilets; ramps into premises; the creation of an accessible pavement on Mill Street - running from Mole Avon Town & Country Stores to Morrisons supermarket, pavements for pedestrians not vehicles!

This isn’t just about disability; access improvements help people from all walks of life, from parents with babies in buggies and toddlers, people struggling with shopping and those who become less mobile through age.

Only 17 per cent of people are born with their disability, 83 per cent acquire theirs!

The Group does not get involved in the politics of whether a development should, or should not happen, but it believes it is essential that as disabled people, have a voice to make sure that needs are met.

Crediton & District Access Group meets on the third Tuesday of every month (except August and December) at 11am in the Markby Room at Crediton Hospital.

Meetings are open to all and new members are especially welcome.

For more information telephone John Higgs 01363 774350 (chair) or Yvonne Pope on 01363 773557 (secretary).