COUNCIL SAYS SORRY TO DISABILITY CAMPAIGNERS

10-09-2009

The Stirrer's involvement has won an apology for a disability campaign group which claimed it was being ignored by Birmingham Council.

The recently formed Coalition of Disabled People said that Dr Mashuq Ali the head of the city's Diversity and Equality Unit wouldn't meet them and is falling down on the job.

Coalition chairperson Tom Comerford had written to him in early August but had received no suggested dates,and there was no indication thatDr Aliwas even willing to talk to them.

Tom reckons the council only wants to speak to more compliant groups and individuals - not campaigning organisations like his.

When we contacted the council to find out why the Coalition was being shunned they apologised and said the lack of response was due to Mr Ali being on leave.

They have confirmed that they are willing to meet Tom Comerford, but want more details about his organisation and who it represents.

He's got a wealth of experience in these areas and is certainly no stranger to the Council, having previously run the Coalition for Disabled People Birmingham which had been partly funded by the local authority.

Tom won't be backward in coming forward - and we'll keep you posted on developments.