Local blind man praises positive train journey

Local resident Frank Salt has praised two positive experiences in the same train journey when travelling on the Blackburn to Rochdale service last week.

Mr Salt, who is registered blind, has previously faced discrimination when travelling, but recently had quite a positive experience when travelling by train on Wednesday 20 November.

In 2016, Mr Salt was discriminated against when a taxi driver refused to carry him and his guide dog – despite this being illegal.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/111539/refusal-to-pick-up-frank-salt-and-his-guide-dog-costs-taxi-driver-ibrar-hussain-over-£600

Speaking to Rochdale Online about his positive train journey, Mr Salt said: “Everyone seems to be moaning and complaining so I thought I could report some good news.”

Mr Salt was travelling on the 15:18 service from Blackburn to Rochdale, where he says that staff were helpful in guiding him throughout his trip.

He said: “The staff member assured me he would ‘still be with me at Castleton’ and again approached to inform me that my stop was next ‘in about 3 minutes’ and would I need assistance alighting.

“A small service but very much appreciated by me, and I’m sure by all passengers in need of assistance.”

Additionally, during the same journey, Mr Salt and his guide dog, Lewis, were approached by two pupils from Turton High School, who conversed with him for some time.

Mr Salt says young people seem to have a “bad press” but is happy to witness young people who disprove the preconceptions of society.

He continued: “When you have a guide dog, it becomes the main topic of conversation.

“Young people these days often get a ‘bad press’ but a group of young school children approached us in a well-mannered fashion and, recognising us from the week before, politely conversed with us.

“I think they were 14-15-year-olds girls. It’s nice to have these young people who prove to be different as they say they are. They were polite and caring.

“Well done them and the school.”