Stourbridge MP Margot James has taken part in a blindfolded dog walk, to highlight the experiences a partially or fully blind person would have walking around town.

Ms James was taken on a blindfolded walk around some of the town’s more dangerous parts for local guide dog owners after complaints from a constituent. It took place in Oldswinford Cross, where Margot was led around by guide dog, Natalie, and her two trainers.

The MP contacted Guide Dogs to see how they could help her gain more knowledge on how to improve the area for people with sight loss. The experience raised issues about cars parked on pavements, as well as a lack of pedestrian crossings and pavement markings, especially in Oldswinford, meaning even the simplest of tasks for guide dog owners become a chore.

Margot said it gave her a new perspective on the needs of blind pedestrians, and she’ll be using this knowledge in future when addressing the needs of local people.