Shifnal Chorale has supported Guide Dogs for the Blind (for some time).

Members have sponsored the training of a guide dog and also supported the Open Door campaign to improve access for guide dogs and their owners.

Frank is our latest puppy.

Click on the Guide Dogs logo to see how Frank is getting on

Some news from Guide Dogs campigns:

People with sight loss are included in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act. The changes will take some time to come into force, but the Act marks another milestone for safe, accessible travel.

What will this mean?

Pavement parking

Local leaders will have greater powers to tackle pavement-parked cars.

These new powers will allow councils to manage pavement parking and enforce rules similar to those in London, where parking on pavements is forbidden unless there’s an exemption in place. This should enable people to get safely from A to B and councils to take action if rules are not followed.

The Government plans to give traffic wardens powers to tackle the worst cases by the end of the year. 2026

Rental e-bikes and e-scooters

Rental e-bikes and e-scooters are a convenient option for getting out and about. But when they are ridden irresponsibly or abandoned on pavements, pedestrians are put in harm’s way. Not everyone can see or hear a vehicle approaching, and the fear of sudden collision can take a real toll on people with sight loss.

All e-scooter and e-bike rental schemes will need permission from local authorities. The new law will lead to tighter requirements for e-bike and e-scooter providers, placing a greater focus on safety, speed limits, and where the vehicles can and cannot be parked.

Taxi training now legally required

While we know many taxis and minicabs welcome guide dog owners, access refusals are common.

The Act will introduce a requirement for all taxi and minicab drivers to complete disability equality training. To continue offering their services, they will need to learn the rights of assistance dog owners and how to provide better support to disabled passengers.

Next steps

We’re already working with the Department for Transport on the development of the new rules, and will press councils to deliver meaningful change once these powers are available to them. Over the summer, we’ll update you on next steps and how you can help from home.