Tom Brake meets the Freewheelers

10.44.38am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 14th Dec 2007

Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington, met the Freewheelers Theatre Company at the Bridge Community centre in Leatherhead on Monday 10 December.

The organisation, which has many Wallington residents as members, arranges drama classes and workshops and brings together a wide range of people, ranging from disabled actors to non disabled actors to production teams to the local community.

Tom said, "Their productions are of really high quality and make use of the latest techniques and technology. I was really impressed."

In their discussion with Tom Brake MP, Freewheelers members raised the issue of services like 'Dial-a-Ride' being oversubscribed. One member told Tom that the only way to access the service was if somebody moved from the area or died.

Commenting, Tom Brake said: "Using public transport, particularly the tube and trains, can be challenging for people with disabilities. Services such as 'Dial-a-Ride' can help make journeys easier and facilitate higher levels of social inclusion within the community. However, the current situation is that not everyone who needs the service can access it and further investment is necessary to meet current demand. Saying people will have to wait until someone else dies before they can start receiving the service is totally unacceptable."

Further information about The Freewheelers Theatre Company may be found at http://www.southwark.tv/Freewheelers/FWShome.asp