A CHARITY is urging people in the district not to neglect those with sight problems during the current pandemic.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) warns that as lockdown eases, the independence of those who are blind or partially-sighted is increasingly under threat.

Eleanor Southwood, for the charity, said: “Social distancing, which relies heavily on sight, has made it nearly impossible for people with vision impairment to navigate safely and independently in a world turned ‘upside down’ by measures and rules that are often inaccessible.

“A lot of the strategies and tools we use to get around safely – like being guided – are not allowed under current rules and many people have been left stranded.

“We’ve heard from blind and partially-sighted people who are incredibly anxious about how to manage the situation – and we’re concerned that this will have a real impact on people’s quality of life.

“The ‘new normal’ risks causing a double lockdown for people with sight loss. This is not fair or acceptable.”

The RNIB has launched a campaign to increase public awareness of the challenges faced during the current crisis by people with sight problems.

Businesses are also being urged to do their bit so that measures designed to protect people are inclusive to everyone.