A SOUTHAMPTON charity that supports blind people has slammed the city council's plans for a shared pedestrian and cycle lane on Bassett Avenue.

The council proposes to change the western side of Bassett Avenue into a shared space.

However, it would include pedestrian access to the side of Southampton Sight’s premise from Burgess Road to Holly Hill.

The charity provides services, support and advice to people with sight loss and aims to enable their independence and build their confidence.

CEO of Southampton Sight, Jackie Powers said: “We are very concerned about this proposal. Shared space is extremely dangerous for people living with sight loss because it removes the barrier between cyclists and the pedestrian.

“One of my colleagues at Southampton Sight is a long-term cane user. She had many a near-miss with cyclists currently using the pedestrian pavement illegally. She cannot hear them as the traffic noise prevents this. She uses the bus stop outside our premises and this is a pinch point on the pavement.”

MP for Southampton Itchen, Royston Smith is also calling on the city council to rethink its plans for the shared pedestrian and cycle lane.

According to Mr Smith, the current pavement is already narrow and problematic to disabled pedestrians.

He claims that if the proposal goes ahead, people with sensory loss and disabilities may no longer be able to walk safely when the physical barrier between cyclists and pedestrians is removed.

Mr Smith said: “I am concerned about the impact of shared spaces on elderly, families with young children, disabled people, and those with hearing difficulties.”

“Cyclists cannot determine whether a pedestrian has sight or hearing loss based on their appearance. An elderly lady who attended my surgery explained her worries to me as well.”

“There were reasons why the pedestrian road was not made shared access prior to this proposal. I urge the Southampton City Council to revisit their previous Equality and Safety Impact Assessment and explore an alternative to shared access.”

Residents wanting to comment on the plans have until August 9.

They can email traffic.orders.legal@southampton.gov.uk quoting the city of Southampton, Bassett Avenue cycle facilities.

The Daily Echo is awaiting a comment from Southampton City Council.