The Metropolis of Edinburgh Council has been accused of making anti-disabled areas within the centre of the capital because the Fringe will get underway.
A put up shared on Twitter by marketing campaign group, Dwelling Streets Edinburgh, gained the eye of native politicians.
The picture that was posted by the group - which appears to make Edinburgh’s streets accessible for all - reveals bollards grouped shut collectively on George Sq. that severely hampers people who depend on a wheelchair or scooter to get round, studies Edinburgh Dwell.
MSP and native councillor Kayleigh O’Neill stated she was not shocked when she learn the tweet.
She claims the council is making a “disabled-free zone” and condemned their determination to limit the power of these with mobility points to journey across the metropolis centre.
Councillor O’Neill, who represents the Forth Ward and depends on a scooter to assist her journey stated that the Fringe Pageant is a time of 12 months the place these residing with disabilities face obstacles in their very own metropolis.
She added: “I used to be very involved however not shocked once I noticed this tweet. Disabled individuals face a number of obstacles within the metropolis day by day however with further promoting going up for the Fringe, it's creating an much more hostile and unsafe surroundings.
“For individuals with mobility points this space is now tougher to manoeuvre and I'll keep up a correspondence with the council for this to be mounted. I’d additionally encourage others to be vigilant and understanding of individuals’s entry necessities and any obstacles that want mounted.”
She was joined in her condemnation by Jeremy Balfour, Lothian MSP, who referred to as on the bollards to be eliminated instantly and stated that he discovered their implementation “insulting.” The bollards are positioned carefully collectively, making it tough for these not on foot to get by.
He stated: “It's fully unacceptable that these bollards have been positioned in George Sq.. Erecting bodily obstacles that hinder disabled individuals’s skill to get round and revel in festivals sends an insulting message that they don't seem to be welcome in Edinburgh.
“They need to be eliminated instantly.”
David Hunter, convenor, of the Dwelling Streets Edinburgh Group additionally stated: "It is appalling to see obstacles erected that are stopping disabled individuals from accessing George Sq.. This is not acceptable at any time of the 12 months and the pageant season isn't any exception.
"We perceive that this can be related with anti-terrorism measures however hope that these are works in progress and as soon as full, will permit entry for all. Public security measures have to work for everybody."
Nevertheless, the council has stated that the measures had been put in place to guard crowds visiting the world famend pageant. They added that they are going to at all times assessment suggestions that they obtain on the safety system and say that the precaution reveals their “dedication to placing public security first.”
Cllr Val Walker, Tradition and Communities Convener, stated: “As a capital metropolis and a serious vacation spot for festivals and occasions, acceptable measures are put in place yearly to make sure the safety of our crowded locations.
“We had been the primary council to plot and develop our personal safety system, which is at all times reviewed and revised. We'll take heed to suggestions from the general public, proceed to guage the initiative and make any modifications as required.
“These measures are merely a precaution and reveals our dedication to placing public security first.”
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