AN MP and a Crime Commissioner were given a brief experience of the difficulties experienced by people with sight loss when they walked blindfolded through a city centre.

North Durham MP Kevan Jones and Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg both walked through Durham’s bustling city centre today (FRI) to show support for the difficulties faced by partially sighted people.

The pair were led from the city’s bus station in North Road to the Market Place by Royal National Institute of Blind People regional campaigns officer Lucy Dixon, and RNIB volunteers Gerry and Anne Taylor.

During the 15-minute journey they faced uneven footpaths, impatient motorists and members of the public unwilling to give them the space they required.

Mr Taylor said: “Blind and partially sighted people face many obstacles on a daily basis and one of the biggest is getting out and about safely and independently.

“Whether it’s because there are obstacles blocking the way, poor street design, or problems with using public transport, we are often denied the right to independent and safe travel.”

After finishing the challenge, Mr Hogg said: “It was very scary. You’ve got a loss of a sense of perspective and distance”.

He added that he believes it is important to establish stronger links between property planners and disabled groups to promote the safety of disabled people in public areas.

Mr Jones, whose mother is registered blind, said: “Simple design changes could alleviate a lot of problems.

“There’s not even any distinction between the pavement and the road.

“We need to make sure policy-makers consider partially sighted people from the start instead of tagging it on afterwards.”