Campaign for a safe crossing in Tunbridge Wells 24 June 2009

Kent Association for the Blind supports visually impaired Tunbridge Wells resident to campaign for a safe crossing at Sandhurst Road, Tunbridge Wells

Two and a half years after first contacting the Tunbridge Wells Council to install a safe road crossing at Sandhurst Road, Tunbridge Wells, Lynne Martindale, visually impaired for over thirty years, last week crossed the road safely for the first time on the newly installed zebra crossing.

On Tuesday 9th June, Lynne, with her guide dog Ellie, walked safely across the busy road, which is often used as a rat run between the Pembury Road and High Brooms Station, accompanied by Cllr Kevin Lynes, and several children from the local Sherwood Primary school, who had all supported Lynne with her campaign.

Lynne, who also has some hearing loss, developed the eye condition Retinitis Pigmentosa some thirty years ago and has been involved with KAB for the last ten years. As Lynne's sight worsened, Anita Hinchcliff, Rehab Team Leader at Kent Association for the Blind Maidstone spent time with Lynne, helping her come to terms with her sight loss and offering her emotional and practical support to continue to lead an independent life. Anita encouraged Lynne to persevere with this road crossing campaign, even offering to put Tunbridge Wells' councillors under simulated sight loss conditions and cross Sandhurst Road, so they could appreciate Lynne's point of view.

No one took up that offer, but their change of heart has made such a difference to Lynne's daily life:

"It is great news that we have a crossing for our safety. Without the help of the Councillors and Lene Beyon who also works with the Council, we would not have a crossing here today, so it is great to get the support that we all needed. It was hard work, but it was worth it. I would also like to say a big ‘thank you' to Anita of KAB for all her hard work, and to the Guide Dogs team at Turkey Mill for their support too."