News Going out in Goole a 'bit of a nightmare'...
The state of the tarmac means crossing the railway line in a wheelchair is a ‘nightmare.’
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Until a few weeks ago, Goole Town councillor Shirley Marshall could describe herself as an independent member of the community.
A regular at Goole Town Council's fortnightly meeting and a socialiser for Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, she was also involved with transporting non-drivers to Scunthorpe hospital and a craft project in Old Goole.
But after breaking a leg on Remembrance Sunday and being confined to a wheelchair, she has had to give all of it up - and has discovered just how difficult life for disabled residents in Goole really is.
"It brings it home to me what life must be like for a person who is permanently confined to a wheelchair or has a child in a pushchair," said Mrs Marshall.
"Going from full independence to being totally dependent has made me think."
Mrs Marshall, who has had to rely on her family to push her around, described going into town as "a bit of a nightmare" and compared the route to an obstacle course.
A day in the life of...
In attempt to highlight the problem areas, she and her husband Frank agreed to go for a walk with a Goole Times reporter and photograper.
Uneven flagstones on Boothferry Road make for a bumpy ride, and while the dropped kerbs do make crossing the road easier, the position of them sometimes means the wheelchair pusher has to follow a figure of eight to use them.
The drain channels, although necessary, are another potential hazard: "They are essential but if the wheelchair wheel gets in the drain, the wheelchair becomes unstable," said Mrs Marshall.
Further into town, the problems continue - the gap between the new bus shelters outside the station and the road is so narrow enough that a wheelchair user feels uncomfortable so close to buses pulling in - and then there's the problem of actually crossing the railway line.
Risking life and limb to cross railway
"Crossing the station crossing is a nightmare," said Mrs Marshall, and explained that the subway slope was too steep for her husband to push her up.
But crossing alongside the traffic isn't much better: "You literally take your life into your own hands because of the appalling state of the tarmac, and also the traffic."
And not using the subway means that catching a train to Hull after buying a ticket involves crossing Vermuyden Way, Mariner's Street and then Boothferry Road in order to access a ramp back onto the station behind Lloyds Bank. Hardly ideal, if you're short on time!
"The pedestrian crossing in Mariner's Street is another nightmare - the road has potholes where you cross and going up and down the kerbs is quite dangerous [because of the ruts in front of them]."
Steps up to the Goole Town Council meeting room have meant Mrs Marshall has been unable to attend meetings since her accident.
A spokesperson said that several attempts had been made to accommodate disabled residents in the past, but the huge cost and poor acoustics of other venues made it completely unfeasible.
The new arts centre, including the council offices, will be accessible fore the disabled throughout.
What is avoidable, however, is the blocking off of flush kerbs by thoughtless motorists who park in front of them and force wheelchair users to negotiate the step between the pavement and the road.
Thoughful folk soften the blow
It's not all bad, though. Once again, Goole has shown that for all its problems, it is home to many kind-hearted residents who go out of their way to help those in need.
"I have found that, without exception, the people are all very kind and thoughtful, opening doors and standing aside etc.," said Mrs Marshall.
"It is nice that young people do this as well, so credit given where credit is due."
She is also grateful to the Goole and District Coalition of Physical Disabilities, whose Shopmobility scheme has allowed her to hire a wheelchair instead of buying one.
A spokesperson for the East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: "We do try to make sure that people who have disabilities or who are temporarily in a wheelchair are not discriminated against.
"All our controlled crossings - pelicans, puffins, toucans and pedestrian facilities at traffic-signalled junctions - are equipped with facilities for disabled people. Regrettably, the drainage channel on Boothferry Road is necessary to drain the footway."
Anyone who comes across potholes or broken slabs is asked to let the ERYC know by calling 01482 393939 or reporting it via the website, www.eastriding.gov.uk
Published on 15th February 2007 in News.
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