Place Shaping Consultation Blog

18th October: Cheshire Voluntary Services Speed Networking Event

We attended the Cheshire Voluntary Services Speed Networking Event at Crewe Alex on 18 October.  Representatives from about 100 voluntary organisations attended the event and we had in depth discussions about their thoughts and concerns.  Some of the main issues raised relevant to the LDF were:

• Concern about the increasing number of elderly people and the consequent increase in the number of people with disabilities or health issues that restrict their opportunities to get out and about and to drive.
• There is a need to focus on ensuring that our town centres are accessible for people with disabilities
• There is concern about the lack of public transport in rural areas
• More consideration should be given to the housing needs of elderly and disabled people.  Housing should be designed to be easy to adapt and there should be more housing specially designed for wheelchair users. 
• A number of organisations are working to support vulnerable people to help get them back in society such as ex-offenders and people with drug and alcohol problems.  They expressed concerns about the difficulties in finding suitable housing for them.