Watch: MP Owen Paterson walks though town blindfolded to highlight guide dogs charity
North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson went out blindfolded with Guide Dogs for the Blind to see what day-to-day tasks people have issues with.
He was blindfolded and went on walk around Oswestry with other guide dog users, to see the tasks they face on a busy day in the town.
The group, which covers Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Staffordshire and the Black Country, told the MP about their struggles with cars parking on pavements, taxis and using public transport.
Mr Paterson paid tribute to the guide dog users, and said he will help in any way they can.
He said: "It is not something I have done before, but it is good to come out and meet these people and see what they struggle with.
"I know about the taxi issues with it but I was unaware of the bus issues.
"I am an advocate of the charity and we have a lot of campaign groups coming to Westminster.
"If anyone else in the North Shropshire area has issues they can write to me."
Mr Paterson went through some basic sight activities to see how blind people go about their daily work.
Then he went from Bailey Head, down Bailey Street and around the town.
Lyn Stapley, from Oswestry is the group fundraising co-ordinator, and has had two guide dogs.
She wants people to be more considerate and aware of blind people and issues they face in busy town centres.
"The guide dogs are such a big help, but there are other issues we also need to tackle," she said.
"Parking on pavements is a real problem, and also we would ask other people to think about signage outside shops and in the town centre."
