How will blue badge holders enter city?

The accusation that the actions of B&NES is preventing disabled people from entering the city has been rejected as “utter rubbish” by Richard Samuel - shame on him!

Blue Badge Holders (BBH) are purported to be able to access streets in the ring of steel - (during the hours of 10am to 6pm / York Street 10am to 10pm) - under

access granted by council staff.

Assuming every BBH will be notified personally of the way to access THEIR CITY CENTRE, how about also outlining this scheme in the Chronicle so that BBH users can be informed.

What is the plan? Do BBH just have to queue for entry? Do they have to get a ring of steel passport? Is there an appointments system?

If the streets are filled with tables and chairs, (as they were in lockdown) how will BBH (or emergency vehicles) enter these streets and negotiate exit from e.g. Cheap Street/westgate Street and other restricted streets?

Or as part of the ring of steel project will all of the barred streets be policed and kept clear to facilitate emergency services who will require a free run everywhere at

any time and BBH access.

There are still many questions that require clear, fair answers with full honesty. Let’s hope The leader of the council is listening!

Cabinet members are suggesting that they want to see our historic city modified to facilitate pedestrians and an expanding cafe culture to increase the footfall for businesses.

So we can assume the streets will be blocked with people, cycles and scooters. Are we seeing this as a tactic to make life just a bit more difficult for BBH (council tax payers)and so discourage them from attempting to enter THEIR CITY CENTRE?

Also, wouldn’t streets blocked by cafe tables and chairs, pedestrians, bikes and scooters be to the detriment of emergency services?

Eleanor Swift Southdown