Justin Pledges Continued Support For Guide Dogs Charity

Justin Tomlinson MP has met with staff, volunteers and puppies from the charity Guide Dogs to highlight the vital work the charity does in supporting blind and partially-sighted people.

Guide Dogs provides independence and freedom to thousands of blind and partially sighted people across the UK through the provision of guide dogs, mobility and other rehabilitation services. It also campaigns passionately for the rights of those with visual impairments.

The charity set up a makeshift grotto in Parliament to hand out messages of thanks to MPs that have supported the charity in 2014. The custom cracker included messages from people across North Swindon on Guide Dogs’ campaign for a national law on pavement parking and the issue of audiovisual announcements on public transport.

Justin has actively campaigned in Parliament to improve support for blind and partially-sighted residents, putting his weight by the charity's campaigns end the dangerous and inconsiderate pavement parking of some individuals, and calling for a change in the law to require bus companies to install audiovisual displays onboard. At present, there is no requirement for bus companies to install audiovisual displays on their vehicles. Swindon has a number of buses that are already equipped with AV technology and this is allowing blind and partially-sighted residents to enjoy greater access to the town's facilities.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: "It was a pleasure to meet the guide dog pups in training and discuss what more we can do to support blind and partially-sighted residents. I have actively campaigned to change the law on the installation of audiovisual announcements on public transport, and we are working with local authorities like Swindion Borough Council to counter some of the most inconsiderate and dangerous examples of pavement parking. Guide Dogs do some truly excellent work and I am delighted to support them both nationally, and locally through the work of the excellent Alan Fletcher!