A blind campaigner is challenging people to walk blindfolded down New Malden High Street, which he claims is not suitable for people with sight loss.

Philip Indge, who was registered blind in 2010, said cycle racks, seating, bollards and advertising boards make navigating the high street extremely difficult and dangerous.

The 46-year-old, who recently moved from New Malden to Tolworth, said he hopes if people experience the difficulties he faces, changes might be made to make the road more user friendly.

He said: “It’s very difficult. It’s not easy for a person with sight loss in New Malden.

“There is no clear run straight the way through without bumping into something.

“It would be nice for people to realise the difficulties we face.

“You get more of an idea of the situation we face.”

The former painter and decorator started using a white stick to help himself get around when he was registered visually impaired four years ago and as his sight deteriorated he now has the help of his guide dog Lester.

He said: “He’s a God send to me. Now I have got him it is easier for me but I am doing it for others too. It’s not just for me.”

Mr Indge, who has twisted his ankle in the high street in the past, said black bollards and poles should be made more visible with yellow markings, while clutter should be removed and benches and bike racks should have ground level guards on them.

Mr Indge is a member of the New Malden Blind Club, which is open to registered blind or partially sighted people who live in New Malden, Kingston and surrounding areas.

Chairman Diana Goodhew said the group has about 20 members at the moment.

She said: “They are all concerned. Even if you are only partially sighted it’s difficult to get around. It’s got restaurant boards and all sorts of things which is really silly.”

A council spokesman said the authority had consulted with a registered blind resident on the issues and is considering further works to address them.

The spokesman said: “The needs of those with all levels of ability, including blind and partially sighted people, are considered in the design process of any improvements to high streets.”

Comet reporter Clare Buchanan takes up Philip Indge’s challenge. Here are her thoughts.

“Sweaty palms and shaky legs are not normally what I feel on a stroll down the high street but putting a blindfold into the equation changed things dramatically.

“Taking up Mr Indge’s challenge I felt confident. However, as my world was blacked out I became unsure and as I put one foot in front of another stepping into the traffic became a genuine concern.

“I set off hoping to cover a small stretch of the high street but as I felt my way forward with the white stick, crashing into obstacles, it felt like I had miles rather than metres to cover.

“With a lack of sight my senses heightened, friendly chatter became warning shouts and slow moving traffic grew to be whooshing buses.”

A potted history of New Malden High Street Traders and shoppers have suffered disruption from a catalogue of works to New Malden High Street over the years.

A major revamp programme, including new footpaths, lighting, parking and pedestrian crossings, started in January 2005 and was meant to be a bright new future for the town centre.

However, the redevelopment was delivered four months late and corrective works had to be carried out, at the contractor’s expense, in a project that lasted 22 weeks in 2006.

Since then maintenance works due to poor road condition and works by utility providers have led to the road being dug up several times.

Kingston Council could not confirm how much money had been spent on the high street works, but it is believed to be more than £2.3m from 2005 to 2008.

Councillors approved using a £100k grant from Transport for London to improve the high street in January 2010 and secured continued funding of £125,000 in 2011-12.