A man living in Merseyside, Steve Niblock, aged 67, has shared his heartfelt desire to simply be able to visit the local chip shop after being confined to his home for the past three years. Steve has been living in a Magenta Living property for over a decade and faced challenges when requesting a ramp installation to access his garden with a mobility scooter. Due to his mobility issues and the resulting social isolation, Steve expressed, “All I do is watch telly. I have no social life apart from talking to people on the phone. That is it. It’s a bloody nightmare I tell you.”
After initial media coverage by the Echo, Magenta Living agreed to install a ramp for Steve. However, progress was delayed as the installation had to be postponed due to adverse weather conditions. Despite the ramp installation progress, Steve is still awaiting confirmation from Wirral Council regarding the installation of a dropped kerb outside his residence and the associated costs. Despite paying £75 for an estimate and survey, Steve has yet to receive a quote from the council. He is disheartened by the news that while dropped kerbs may be installed nearby, they will not be placed directly outside his property, a decision that he finds impractical and frustrating.
Expressing his frustration, Steve questioned the rationale behind the decisions, “Why can’t they put it outside my house if they can put two a couple of metres away? Why are they wasting the money?” He also highlighted the difficulty in obtaining updates from the council, describing it as a “chicken and egg situation” where his calls are often left unreturned. Steve emphasized his concern that other disabled individuals might not be aware of their rights when requesting reasonable adjustments.
As a former social worker and councillor, Steve is well-versed in navigating systems but stresses the importance of upholding the Equality Act, particularly in providing reasonable accommodations. A Magenta spokesperson mentioned that they had visited Steve to assess the necessary adaptation works and have been in communication with him to address the installation delays.
Steve’s simple wish to visit the chip shop serves as a poignant reminder of the hurdles faced by individuals with mobility challenges. His ongoing battle to access basic amenities highlights the importance of advocating for inclusivity and accessibility for all members of society, especially those with disabilities.