A district councillor has taken part in a blindfold walk around a picturesque riverside village he represents to highlight the challenges blind and partially sighted people face walking in the area.

Andrew Proctor was invited on the walk around Brundall by resident Brian Moore, who is also a volunteer campaign co-ordinator for the Royal National Institute of Blind People.

Mr Moore is concerned about the lack of tactile paving in the village, turning some streets into obstacle courses for people with sight loss.

During the walk Mr Proctor, a Broadland councillor, wore simulation spectacles which simulate three of the most common sight conditions: age related macular degeneration, cataracts and retinitis pigmentosa.

He said: 'I'm grateful to RNIB for arranging the blindfold walk in my home village of Brundall.

'Walking around streets in an area I've lived in for years and know very well, while wearing the simulation spectacles, really put the issues blind and partially sighted people face into perspective.

'Broadland Council looks forward to working with RNIB and its volunteer campaigners to ensure all future developments in Broadland have their input in design and layout so that they're accessible to everyone.'

Mr Moore said: 'I'm very pleased councillor Proctor joined me on the blindfold walk for RNIB.

'As someone with sight loss, walking around Brundall has become increasingly challenging because of cars parking on pavements, and pavements being too narrow and obstructed by over-hanging shrubbery.

'We're very grateful councillor Proctor made time to meet us and see first-hand the challenges people with sight loss face. He really listened to our concerns and we're looking forward to continuing to work with him to improve the design of the village for all local residents.'

RNIB has a Street Charter toolkit on changes they want to see. Visit www.rnib.org.uk/onmystreet