Criticism for 'limited' consultation on £65m scheme

It is hoped 4,000 jobs will be created as a result of the Station Quarter regeneration project

A charity for blind and partially-sighted people said it was "disappointed" with how it was consulted on a new public space project.

The £65m scheme aimed to redevelop the area around Peterborough's railway station and create 4,000 jobs.

But the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) said "limited" consultation had been done to ensure the project was accessible.

Bernie Reddington, of the RNIB, said the charity was given a visual presentation on the project - despite her sight impairments.

Ms Reddington and colleagues had been invited to join "specific engagement activities" about the Station Quarter regeneration in January.

Designs can be presented via a more accessible tactile mode, Bernie Reddington says

“I am a little disappointed with what has been described as consultation so far,” she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

“It’s really essential that that consultation is made accessible because at the moment the presentation is visual, which doesn’t make it a very fair process.”

Ms Reddington called on Peterborough City Council to present its design models as tactile models.

She also offered to take those involved in the project on a guided walk around the station area wearing “simulation specs” - which replicate different kinds of visual impairments.

Bernie Reddington says she was given a visual presentation on the project - despite her sight impairments

A council spokesperson said it was "sorry to hear of any disappointment" felt after the meeting last month.

They said the Station Quarter project team “welcomes the opportunity for a guided walk to explore and discuss proposed options”.

“More detailed design work will be undertaken in the coming months, including extensive engagement with all stakeholders, including disability, access, rail, and cycle user group," the spokesperson said.