Blind couple's joy over council's gate decision (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Blind couple's joy over council's gate decision

7:30am Saturday 26th May 2012 in News

A blind couple are delighted that the council has decided not to enforce an order for them to remove a gate that stops their guide dog from escaping.

Allen Richardson 71, and his wife Margaret, 75, had been told they had to remove the gate outside their flat in Princes Way, Southfields, for health and safety reasons.

The couple, who installed the gate 36 years ago, appealed to Wandsworth Council explaining that it was vital for their guide dog and was actually a safety feature as they could hear the gate being opened in someone was approaching their front door.

Mrs Richardson rang the Wandsworth Guardian yesterday to thank it for highlighting their plight and to say that they had received a letter from the council allowing them to keep it as long as they leave it open when they are out.

She said: "We got the letter from the council this morning. We are very happy."