A YORK MP has joined blind and partially sighted people on a tour of the city, to raise awareness of the difficulties they face.

Rachael Maskell joined traffic network manager Alistair Briggs and people with sight loss on a walk around York city centre on Friday, following requests from them to raise awareness of the difficulties caused by street clutter.

Among the issues found by the group were a lorry carrying scaffolding which had been parked in a public space in Coney Street, junctions and road crossings that were difficult for assistance dogs to negotiate, and A-boards around the city, which campaigners say they have to deal with every day.

Dianne Roworth, chief officer of York Blind and Partially Sighted, Society (YBPSS), said: "Blind and partially sighted people face many challenges on a daily basis and one of the biggest is getting out and about safely and independently. Whether it's because there are obstacles blocking the way, poor street design, or problems with using public transport, we are often denied the right to independent and safe travel."

Sue Quinn, member of the York Social Inclusion Group, said: "I regularly come into contact with cars parked on pavements. This is becoming a massive issue in York City Centre and beyond. To avoid these obstructions we must walk on the road in the path of oncoming traffic."

Rachael Maskell said: "Parking on pavements blights many of our streets and can be dangerous for people with sight loss as well as elderly people and mothers with young children.

"I want motorists to be aware of the dangers and to park more responsibly. Everyone should be able to use our footpaths without their lives being placed at risk."

Earlier this year, the York Blind and Partially Sighted Society urged councillors to ban all A-boards from the city's streets, and improve life for an estimated 6,000 residents with visual impairments.