A councillor believes the blind are likely to suffer as a result of bus cuts in Renfrewshire after her visit to a hub for the visually impaired in Paisley.
Carolann Davidson, Labour and Cooperative representative for Paisley East and Central, recently visited Sight Scotland Veterans’ Hawkhead Centre to see first hand the great work the charity does in supporting ex-armed forces personnel with sight loss.
Councillor Davidson, the Renfrewshire Labour group spokesperson for health, disability and carers, said the cuts made to bus services in the area recently, when McGill’s made several changes to its timetable on May 1, will be to the detriment of those who attend the centre.
“One of the big things we need to improve is public transport,” she said. "People with vision impairment rely on public transport and need a regular, reliable service they can trust.
“Unfortunately, there has been several local bus routes either cancelled or reduced due to costing issues. This needs to be looked at again.”
West Scotland Labour MSP Neil Bibby launched a Save Our Buses petition while Renfrewshire Council will carry out a £50,000 public transport review study with a specific focus on buses.
McGill’s insists it had no choice but to overhaul services as it deals with rising costs and reduced passenger numbers following the covid pandemic.
As well as speaking with attendees about public transport, Councillor Davidson was impressed by the work of the team at Sight Scotland.
She added: “The work Sight Scotland Veterans does at its Hawkhead Centre is just so important. The charity does so much to combat loneliness and isolation and, for many veterans, a visit to the centre is the highlight of their week.
“The activities they put on are just amazing. I even managed to play a veteran at pool and have a go of the VR (virtual reality) headset.
“I really enjoyed my visit and it was a great opportunity to meet many of the veterans who attend the centre and speak to them about how the charity helps them.
“They are all just so positive and it is a real inspiration.
“I try and do as much as I can to help people with vision impairment in our local area, and regularly attend the Renfrewshire visual impairment forum to discuss what we need to do better in our local community.”
Sight Scotland Veterans provides support to all veterans in Scotland who are experiencing changes to their sight.
The Hawkhead Centre in Renfrewshire is an activity hub for ex-servicemen and women with sight loss. It offers the means and support to adapt to life with sight loss and try new things.
For more information on Sight Scotland Veterans, visit sightscotlandveterans.org.uk or call the support line on 0800 035
6409.
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