DURING a visit to Whitefield Library with a blind neighbour I was surprised and a little shocked to discover that, whilst the main library is bright, clean and modern, the separate visual impairment unit is shabby and does not look like it has been decorated in years.

Shelving and furniture look to be from the Dark Ages and part of the room is used as a dumping ground by the library service for old and unwanted items which could represent a potential hazard for blind customers.

Upon enquiring about the dismal state of the units, I was told that library funds had been earmarked for refurbishment on several occasions but these had been repeatedly cancelled at the last minute, with funds disappearing to other unknown projects.

I understood it was illegal under the recent Disability Discrimination Act for a service provider to provide a lesser standard of service to disabled customers.

PETER ROBINSON,

Rydal Grove, Whitefield.