AS a blind citizen of Redditch, I write to express my disgust with the new traffic situation in the town centre.

I have now completely lost my independence as even Carlo, my guide dog, is unable to manage the new system. I have to rely on my wife every time I want to go to town.

Staff from the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (GDBA) have been out to see me three times in eight days, with another visit planned soon.

I tried to cross the ring road, the slip road that leads onto Birmingham Road. I used my baton as GDBA advised, yet traffic refused to slow down, let alone stop.

In fact, one vehicle clipped the end of my baton as it went past. If I had been half-an-inch further forward, both I and my guide dog could have been killed.

Church Road is bad for a blind person to cross now with two bus stops. The buses bank up and with engines running, it is impossible for a blind person to hear what is moving.

The tactile paving across Adelaide Street is breaking up after only a week - I can feel it wobbling under my feet.

Crossing at Unicorn Hill is a nightmare. As the buses go past, the ends swing out over the pavement.

I don't dare get close enough to press the button in case I get whacked by the end of a bus.

I have to take a taxi to the train station and I only know of two taxi firms that will take a guide dog.

I go to college a couple of times a week and I have now booked a voluntary driver car scheme to take me and bring me home.

I can't get to the Citizens Advice Bureau when there is a crowd of people at the bus stop on Unicorn Hill as I can't get past. If I am lucky enough to get past, I risk my life crossing Bates Hill. And as for crossing Easemore Road, forget it, no way!

When I rang the council I was told to keep a look out for a man in a yellow coat. If I could see a man in a yellow coat, I wouldn't need a guide dog.

I can't get to Sainsbury's anymore because the road is too busy to cross so we will have to get a taxi to Tesco at Oakenshaw.

Somebody has to do something before someone is killed.

I have lived in Redditch for 20 years and I have never been afraid to go out and about on my own - until now.

Paul Brookes

Prospect Hill Redditch