THERE is an old saying about how “the first casualty in war is the truth”.

However, I was not aware war had been declared against the Belvedere Village Regeneration Scheme.

That was until I read the clearly distorted and inaccurate propaganda produced by the traders’ association in order to oppose alterations in the village.

Perhaps the retailers in Belvedere Village need to read the Disability Discrimination Act 2005.

Everything Transport for London produced in its street plan had to, by law, address the needs of the disabled and special needs community, with equal access and safety in and around Nuxley Road making up a major part of it.

Now there will be no pavement widening, repairs or improvements to benefit wheelchair users, the elderly, disabled youngsters, parents with pushchairs and children.

There will be no CCTV to record evidence of crime and no improved road safety priority given to young children and pedestrians.

There will be no designated disabled parking bays in Nuxley Road.

Disabled groups in the community should have been included in the consultation, asking them how the changes would improve their lives.

No-one can pretend the physical environment in the village is not worn out. Now the lack of major investment will remain for years to come. Be careful what you wish for.

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