Local MP adds his support to Guide Dogs' 'Open Your Doors!' Campaign

29.10.04

Edward Davey, Liberal Democrat MP for Kingston and Surbiton, is helping to raise awareness for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and their campaign to educate local businesses about how they can best serve guide dog owners and other visually impaired people.

The Guide Dogs' 'Open Your Doors' Campaign- launched on 4th October- has coincided with new legislation that requires businesses to make adjustments to their premises in order to overcome barriers to access. Edward Davey MP has written to the Chamber of Commerce & Industry to help ensure that local businesses in Kingston and Surbiton are fully aware of their new legal obligations.

Edward Davey MP has also added his name to Early Day Motion 1708, which congratulates the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association on the launch of their campaign.

Commenting, Edward Davey MP said,

"This campaign is all about making sure that businesses comply with their legal duties. Guide dog owners and the visually impaired continue to face significant barriers in accessing local services, such as pubs, restaurants, shops, hotels, banks, and building societies.

"It is vital that local businesses understand and implement changes to provide a fully accessible service to guide dog owners, and by writing to the local chamber of commerce I hope to spread this message across all service providers in my constituency.

"I am delighted that I can help this important campaign. It deserves the full support of parliament in helping to achieve its aims."