Thousands of pounds set aside to make Milton Keynes an accessible city

The Labour and Liberal Democrat run Council has set aside a provisional £75,000 to make Milton Keynes a disability and dementia friendly city.

£50,000 has been allocated for disability improvements to the public realm, such as installing dropped kerbs, and removing street barriers so that residents using mobility scooters and wheelchairs can get around.

A further £25,000 has been set aside for making improvements that would help residents with dementia and their carers get around Milton Keynes. The changes, which are part of the Council's work towards achieving 'dementia friendly' status, could include improving signage and building design.

Labour Councillor Emily Darlington, Cabinet Member for Adults, Housing and Healthy Communities, said: "There are over 2,500 people living with dementia in Milton Keynes, and this is set to double over the next ten years. The Progressive Alliance wants our city to be an accessible, safe place for everyone, making it easier for families, carers and people with mobility issues or dementia."

Liberal Democrat Councillor Jane Carr, who represents Newport Pagnell South, said:

"My fellow Liberal Democrat ward Councillor Paul Alexander brought a motion on making Milton Keynes more accessible for residents who use mobility scooters and wheelchairs in the past, and so it is great to see action regarding this, and further funding set aside for such an important campaign."