'Test track' for visually impaired opens in park

Alfie, 10, said the new facility was useful as it was very close to being on real roads

An outdoor training area for visually impaired people has been created at a play park in Stapleford.

The stretch of asphalt at the Ilkeston Road Recreation Ground features traffic lights, button-operated crossings, bus stops, kerbs, road and pavement markings and other street furniture.

It is believed to be the first outdoor training area of its kind and is designed to give those with limited sight a way of getting used to the roadside environment in a safe and controlled space.

The charity Guide Dogs said the combination of facilities in the open air and close to traffic noise was uniquely beneficial.

It is hoped other groups, both sighted and visually impaired, will use the facilities

The refit has been funded by £40,000 from regional improvement grants.

Rebecca Morley, from Guide Dogs, said it knew of some similar indoor tracks but this one being outside made it particularly useful.

"For visually impaired children, learning to cross the road can be a really daunting experience," she said.

"So to be able to have somewhere that has the same ambience, with the weather and noise, but to be able to do it in a safe, contained and quite controlled environment is really important."

She also felt the area would be of benefit to the wider community.

"We are close to a lot of local schools and it can be used for general road safety awareness," she said.

"It's also brilliant to have a shared space where perhaps sighted children can get a better understanding of children with canes and an opportunity to create respect and support."

Alfie, 10, from Hucknall, who uses a cane to navigate his environment, said: "I think it's good for everyone because for people who aren't blind, they can understand what it feels like to be blind.

"It's a lot like being on the streets, you get the real feelings with the noise, the sun, the wind, you get everything."

Jonathan Little, from Broxtowe Borough Council, said: "Here they have all the same features you find on a highway network but they can do it in total safety with a total lack of fear and just get used to using it.

"We hope many many more groups will come down and use the facility."