Blind people in Oxford are getting a raw deal on access to public transport and buildings, writes Roseena Parveen.
The issue was highlighted during National Guide Dog Week when Lord Mayor Maureen Christian called for change.
She welcomed blind piano tuner Franz Stevens and his labrador Annie to Oxford Town Hall to raise awareness of difficulties faced by Oxford's blind community in accessing public buildings.
Mr Stevens, of Churchill Road, Cowley, said access to public transport was also a nightmare for the blind.
He said private hire firms were the worst offenders by refusing lifts to the disabled. He said cabbies often drove off as soon as they realised a guide dog was part of the fare.
Mr Stevens, 43, said: "There's an increasing difficulty for me trying to run a business, but getting refused lifts in taxis all the time. I can't get to my clients.
"Other blind people with guide dogs in Oxford face similar problems.
"It's humiliating and upsetting. That's why awareness campaigns are very important. We need better public transport for the blind."
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