Manchester's plans for Stevenson Square criticised by disability activists for inaccessibility

A visually impaired man says he is 'risking his life' every time he walks through a city centre multi-million pound redevelopment.

Dave Steele, who has tunnel vision and has been losing his sight for the past 10 years, claims concrete blocks placed around Stevenson Square in Manchester's Northern Quarter, have made his walks almost inaccessible.

"They have been placed to make the place look pretty or places for people to sit," he said, "but they are the perfect height for anyone, not just people like me with a visual impairment, to hit their shins on," said Mr Steele.

"Unless my cane hits that, which I'm hoping it's going to, I'm maybe going to trip over them and they are dotted everywhere."

The plans were for an area that was partly pedestrianised, with outdoor seating and cycle lanes.

Manchester City Council described it as "a safe space to move through."

Disability activists also say a lack of indicators to help when crossing the road also pose a problem for those who are visually impaired.

"Normally I'd be looking for a spinning cone, which that one's not there," Mr Steele added.

"If someone's trying to get across with a wheelchair, or who's got mobility issues, they'd be struggling to get across in time.

"There's no audio whatsoever, so you're really struggling. You're not going to get across safely."

The control of the crossing lights, and their operation, falls under Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

Campaigners are asking for those with disabilities to be consulted when it comes to these shared spaces.

"What we'd love to do is work with town planners, councils people building work spaces and make them more inclusive for visually impaired and disabled people more broadly," Stephen Tongue, Director of Fundraising at Henshaws, said.

"Often coming to town centres with people with low vision, or someone with a disability ca be quite daunting because it's busy and there's a lot of traffic," Mr Steele added.

"But when you end up with places like this that just aren't safe, you just end up not coming and avoiding the area."

Manchester City Council say Stevenson Square is not finished yet, and they are working with access groups to ensure everyone can safely use the space.Its statement went on to say: "As with any major infrastructure works there will be a period where any identified issues with the final design and finish can be rectified before it is fully signed off.

"This process is currently under way and the Council is grateful for the public's understanding during this final stage."

A spokesperson for TfGM, said: “As we deliver the Bee Network, we are committed to ensuring everyone using public transport or walking, wheeling or cycling can do so safely.

“While the crossing at Stevenson Square is fully compliant with the standards set by the Department for Transport, we’d encourage anyone with concerns about it to get in touch with us.”

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