FoGA are campaigning to ensure that the paths in Great Ashby are kept clear for vulnerable users. FoGA are willing to help, supported by volunteers and the Adept Living Foundation (ALF) CIC.
According to the RNIB , County Councils could be breaking the law under:
1) Section130 (1) of the Highways Act 1980 which imposes a duty on the Highways Authority to assert and protect the rights of the public to use and enjoy the highway. This general duty is reinforced by s.130 (3) which states that the highway authority have a duty to prevent, as far as possible, the obstruction of the highway and
2) the provisions of the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful for service providers and those exercising public functions, including highways functions, to discriminate against disabled people. This includes a duty not to indirectly discriminate and to make reasonable adjustments where existing arrangements place a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage. In RNIB’s view, a failure by a Highways Authority to exercise its duties under the Highways Act to prevent highway obstructions, places blind and partially sighted people at a particular (substantial) disadvantage and therefore is in breach of the Equality Act.
Please join FoGA in seeking for Local Authorities to meet their obligations. Good to lobby ” To Keep Great Ashby’s Paths Clear & Safe from vegetation” include:
- Cllr Paul Porter of the Great Ashby Community Council (GACC) whose declaration of interests shows that he works for the RNIB and whose profile says he wishes to keep paths clear. paul.porter@greatashbycouncil.org.uk
- Cllr George Davies who has supported the GACC being involved writing to private property owners to ensure that they honour their obligations (see Facebook June 2020). george.davies@greatashbycouncil.org.uk
- Cllr Terry Tyler of North Herts District Council, who is Co-Patron, ex-chair and a member of the operations for FoGA. terry.tyler@north-herts.gov.uk
- Cllr Steve Jarvis of Herts County Council who has agreed to take the matters forward if they are reported to HCC, which they have been: 401002445455 and 401002369635.steve.jarvis@hertfordshire.gov.uk
- Cllr Robin Parker Herts County Councillor (HCC) for Chells Division (who has not responded to requests yet). robin.parker@hertfordshire.gov.uk
- Cllr Phil Bibby, HCC Executive for Highways & Transport, who has responsibility for the legal issues raised above. phil.bibby@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Friends of Great Ashby 