Forfar takes the lead as Britain’s most guide dog-friendly town

Councils should follow the “enlightened” lead of Angus when it comes to treating assistance dog owners fairly, the UK Parliament heard yesterday.

The county is home to Guide Dogs Scotland’s training school in Forfar and last year the council adopted a “street charter” to make it easier for people to get around.

The Angus approach was highlighted during a Westminster debate, which heard 75% of guide dog owners across the country had been refused entry to premises – 49% of them in the last year.

Conservative MP Kirstene Hair told colleagues: “Angus Council incorporates Forfar in which is my local Guide Dog training centre.

“My council have been brilliant in adopting a street charter to ensure streets don’t have obstructions and are accessible for all, and exempting dog owners from parking restraints.”

The Equality Act 2010 made it an offence for taxis to turn disabled customers away but complaints against premises have no recourse outside claims courts.

Ms Hair added: “Not only should we be allowing an easier access to justice for people who have been unfairly treated, we should promote better practice within our local authorities to ensure that advice is readily available for local business owners.”

Cheltenham MP Alex Chalk, who secured the debate on the enforcement of equalities legislation relating to guide dogs, said the council had an “enlightened” approach compared to the “hit and miss” approach elsewhere.

He said disadvantaged customers were turned away for “extremely spurious” reasons.