Bexhill praised for supporting Scope petition

In a press release, Scope said the petition, in which fifty thousand signatures were collected nationally, 'demands the government ratifies a UN convention on disability in full, which explicitly sets out the human rights of to life, freedom, equality and justice for disabled people.'

'Our Time to Get Equal campaign celebrates the human rights of disabled people and raises awareness of disablism '“ discrimination against disabled people '“ whilst promoting equality for disabled people.'

Despite the government saying it will ratify the treaty in December, Scope and other disability organisations fear it will, 'reserve, or opt out, on several key areas of the Convention including education, and the armed forces which would undermine it's effectiveness.'

Over two hundred and seventy people signed the petition at the Scope charity shop in Sackville Road, well above the national average of 200 per store.

Andrew Adair, Director of Retail at Scope said: "We are so proud that residents and shoppers in Bexhill have shown real enthusiasm in backing our disability equality campaign in such high numbers and enabled us to take our message to 10, Downing Street."

Area Manager Alex Macaulay also praised the staff at the Sackville Road shop for encouraging people to sign the petition and said: "The staff

here are very focused and this is a good community shop. Despite being a little way from the main part of the town centre, the quality of the shop is what brings people here."

His views are echoed by many positive messages in the shops 'comments' book including one which says: "The staff here are wonderful."

And, from Monday there is a new manager, Rachel Robinson, who takes over the reigns from long-standing manager Lesley Warner who has been at the shop for the past nine years.

Rachel, busy with two of the shops dedicated volunteers arranging a display of new Christmas giftware, said: "I'm looking forward to taking over and carrying on Lesley's good work."

In addition to Christmas gifts, shoppers can select from a fantastic range of Christmas cards '“ some with fifty percent off, but Rachel said more donations are needed.

She said: "Donations are needed at the shop of good quality clothes, books and bric a brac"

Andrew Adair said: "We would ask the public to continue to encourage supporting us. One hundred percent of the profit from our festive cards and giftware goes to supporting Scope's work with disabled people. It's a great opportunity for people to celebrate Christmas at a reasonable price, whilst doing their bit for charity."

The Sackville Road shop is open until 8pm next Friday 5th December, and the staff will be joining in the towns late night festivities dressed as 'superheroes'.

For further information on Scope visit the website at: www.scope.org.uk