A NEW partnership between Tameside Council and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is helping to shape more inclusive and accessible streets across the borough.
Councillors and council officers have joined forces with the charity to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by blind and partially sighted residents when navigating public spaces.
On Tuesday, October 7, council staff took part in a hands-on street audit with RNIB representatives, walking a route through Ashton town centre and surrounding pedestrian areas. The group examined transport hubs, pedestrian crossings and key highways — identifying both examples of good design and older infrastructure in need of improvement.
To experience the town centre from a different perspective, participants wore ‘simulated specs’ — specialist glasses that mimic visual impairments such as tunnel vision and cataracts. The exercise provided powerful insight into the everyday obstacles faced by people with sight loss.
The walk was led by RNIB North West representative Terri Balon, who outlined the charity’s Key Principles of Inclusive Street Design. These focus on ensuring accessible crossings, clear colour contrast, unobstructed footways and tactile paving — simple but vital measures that can make a huge difference to those living with visual impairments.
Councillor Stephen Homer, Executive Member for Towns, Transport and Connectivity, said:
“We’re proud to be working with RNIB to ensure our streets are designed for everyone. Experiencing the town centre through the lens of someone with sight loss was incredibly powerful. It’s vital that our infrastructure reflects the needs of all residents, and this partnership will help us embed inclusive design in future improvements.”
More than two million people across the UK live with sight loss, and Tameside Council says it remains committed to creating safer, more accessible, and inclusive public spaces for all.