A disabled access group is to form in East Cambridgeshire organised by the district council. Over 30 people gathered at the council chamber in Ely yesterday (Wednesday 29) representing groups and organisations like the Orange Badge Network, social services, Direction Plus, the Ely Chamber of Trade and the talking news service Fenprobe. Bryan Housden, building control manager at the district council, says: "We were very pleased with the number and range of people who came. Nineteen volunteered to serve on our new access group. The next step will be our inaugural meeting on Thursday March 6, when the chairman and officers of the group will be elected and the constitution will be agreed." In the meantime, Andrew Curry of the Orange Badge Network has been elected acting chairman. Yesterday's gathering was prompted by the new Disability Discrimination Act. The district council is organising the group to help it support disabled people in their efforts to bring in safe and easy access to buildings.

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2/NEW DISABLED ACCESS GROUP FOR EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE

David Fitt, building control manager at Breckland District,talked about the access group for disabled people which his council organises. East Cambridgeshire staff then explained how the Disability and Discrimination Act affects employers. Some of the issues which could be covered by the access group include sign language interpretation, use of braille, chairs in shops, parking, level pavements and general understanding of disablement. Anyone wanting information about the new group can contact Bryan Housden or Mike Gray in the building control office at the district please contact Bryan Housden  Building Control Manager (01353 668833*207) or Mike Gray, Senior Building Control Officer ext 212,