The official response so far to Murd's campaigning for improved access to the Firhall Bridge. "Proof that the riverside circular walk discriminates against the less able," Murd told the Gurn today after seeing the new signs. As a side issue aren't we still under imperial measures for distance in Scotland? When did Kilometers come into the equation?
What a confusing sign, not so much the graphic but the text. I hope people can understand it.
ReplyDeleteI would have thought 'caution, narrow footbridge with steps' might have been a better description, or better still put the sign money towards improving the bridge for full access!
ReplyDeleteAnd the fact anyone coming from the Both park direction and going up the river want see it at all. Makes me wonder who decided where they were to be positioned ??
ReplyDeleteAll that i have got to say is what a waste of money that has been spent on signs, that probably in time will be vandalised no doubt when the time comes for sure but you never know. But what my question is how mutch did these signs cost can anybody tel me as iam sure all us Gurnmeisters are all dying to find out. I support Murd in what he is trying to do as the bridge does need acces for people that are disabled, and for families with young children, in prams. I havent seen yet any of the local Councilors that are going for the local election in May getting there photograph taken at the Firhall Bridge, in support of what Murds doing heres hoping? they will as its us people that will be voting for them in the election.
ReplyDeletethere have been some improvements to a walk at Dingwall according to press releases on Council site.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that anon - 12K of Leader cash to improve a circular walk for the less able
ReplyDeleteWhere there's a will there's a way and cash can still be found?
murd
ReplyDeleteNow i could make my self available for that! MacRath Boath I haven't seen yet any of the local Councilors that are going for the local election in May getting there photograph taken at the Firhall Bridge. But maybe they are waiting for the pipe to be removed.??
That bridge served our community for more than 60 years what's new? We used to take the child out of the pram and then carry both over...no bother. Many happy hours were spent as children, pretending that those steps were our way up to an aeroplane. we never left the ground.!
ReplyDeleteIf its to be made friendly for disabled, then surely the paths need to be fit for wheelchairs, which they are not in some parts,before they start on making the bridge more user friendly.
Anon, so you think the circular walk footpaths are unfit for wheelchairs despite the upgrade of a couple of years ago?
ReplyDeleteThe bridge was not there 60 year a ago but never the less.
ReplyDeleteHow fortunate you are that you were able to carry your lot across the bridge But if there ever was a case of I am alright jack------you.
YOU have highlighted it.
This world has some selfish people who like you think of nobody but them selves. I and a lot more do care about the less fortunate that can't cross the bridge.
MURD
There is no problem for wheelchair users getting to the Firhall bridge on the paths. Here's part of an e-mail received by Murd from the Manor Care Centre:
ReplyDelete"The Manor has 43 beds for clients with a range of health issues. The majority of our clients do have mobility issues and are dependent on wheelchairs to get out and about.
Unfortunately the bridge which is near the start of a lovely circular walk is not accessible to our clients due to the steps onto the bridge and the narrow structure of the bridge itself.
Several of our clients have been to visit the bridge and do the walk and have reported back that the walk limits them to a shorter walk than what would be available if they could access the walk via the bridge."
Perhaps I dreamt it - very possibly I did - but was there a graphic with a Dalek crossing the Firhall Bridge? Was there? I hope so. Because it would restore my somewhat flagging faith in human nature, it being Sunday tomorrow and all that. Twoodley Paps!! P xx
ReplyDeleteMurd Dunbar said.... Nit picking ...the bridge has been there between 50 & 60 years and if anonymous s letter is read properly it doesn't look uncaring to me. Just stating facts.
ReplyDeleteI walk up the riverside I cannot get over the bridge so I go back the way I came with a different perspective, and the next time I go up the other side. Although I cannot cross the bridge because of my disability , I have far more things to worry about than that small inconvenience.