The Joys of Life: Heather Riches, former deputy mayor, talks about the access challenges of getting around on a mobility scooter.

In the early 2000’s I started to use a small mobility scooter because walking had become increasingly difficult. I couldn't balance on my feet and my left knee would suddenly give way, so I could walk only short distances with the aid of sticks or crutches It was a sad day when I gave my Dawes framed cycle to one of my daughters. I often get folk saying that they remember me from the ‘60s and ‘70s going around with my “racing” bike

In 2007 I decided to extend my advanced drivers’ skills so I could use a dual-speed mobility scooter. It is limited to a maximum of 4 miles an hour for pavement use, and 8 miles an hour for road use. More than once I’ve experienced vehicle drivers lowering their window and shout at me to get on the pavement – I don’t get an opportunity to tell them my vehicle is taxed and I’m legitimately on the road.

I am fortunate that I live in a bungalow built by my Dad in the early ‘60s that has a garage suitable for storing the scooter and charging its battery. I can get around, and get out most days, often heading for places like the Congregational Church, The Mint Café, the Hailey Centre, and in the summer I watch some bowls. I also carry out voluntary roles - as a committee member of our doctors surgery patient group, and at a fortnightly youth group. I have also just enjoyed a few years as a Town Councillor.

Maintaining this level of independence does not come cheap. Not everyone could afford to purchase a scooter, let alone the insurance and maintenance costs. I pay for these things myself - and yet there are many public spaces that are difficult or impossible to access.

I have emailed Justin Tomlinson, minister for the disabled, suggesting that decision makers in planning, building regulations, and highways departments, and surveyors and architects should have a few hours experiencing life on mobility scooters, in a self-propelled wheelchair, or pushing someone in a wheelchair. He hasn't responded yet!

There are various things they might experience that would inform their decision-making, such as finding dustbins, other debris or parked vehicles obstructing the pavement. When the pavements aren't flat, it's extremely hard work trying to maintain a straight path with a wheelchair, and on a scooter, you need lean like motorcyclists to get around a hump. I've suggested to the Highways Department that they paint “H” Bars on dropped kerbs to reduce the number of times they get blocked by parked vehicles.

There are many buildings I cannot enter in Sawbridgeworth, including the Post Office. Even when I can get in on a scooter, I can't always get around. When I first learnt that Saffron Building Society was closing its Sawbridgeworth branch, I thought of going to see what accounts TSB could offer. I opened the door to find the immediate turn right was too tight to be able to use the ramp, and the handrail prevented going straight in and turning round to use the ramp.

I also can’t just pop round to visit most of my friends because the majority of homes are inaccessible. Even when they are, using the bathroom facilities may well be impossible. I haven’t noticed any attempt to make any of the new homes being built in Sawbridgeworth more accessible for people like me.

I will continue to fight for my independence, because what else can I do? I don't want to sit at home on my own, depressed. I hope I still have a few more years to get out most days and still contribute to society. And most days, I have many people to thank for being helpful and considerate.