Liz Lynne visits projects for disabled people in Droitwich

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 24th May 2004

West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne visited Droitwich this week to see the 'Snax on Trax' café at Droitwich Spa Station and meet the people who staff it. Snax on Trax was opened in September 2001 with support from Central Trains, Worcestershire County Council and N-E Worcs College in Bromsgrove. It is staffed by people from the Kingfields Day Centre for adults with learning disabilities.

She then went on to visit the Droitwich Canal. The Canal Trust are in the middle of a regeneration project, which aims to create 12 new or improved access points. Liz and Cllr Margaret Rowley looked at the ramp that is being constructed to make the canal accessible for disabled people who use wheelchairs.

Speaking following her visit the Liberal Democrat MEP said:

"Many adults with learning disabilities are ignored in the job market despite the fact they are willing and able to make a positive contribution. Businesses like Snax on Trax are helping to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding disabled people in the workplace. More businesses need to realise the potential of such initiatives."

"As Vice - President of the Droitwich Canal Trust, I am delighted that the £9.5m regeneration project, will allow everyone to access the canal and enjoy this areas waterways. This will allow the Pamela May, a narrow boat specifically designed for people with disabilities to operate from the canal."

ENDS