Mum’s dementia battle inspires path campaign

Siddiq Birader’s mother Amina was diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s four years ago, and her condition deteriorated so much that she had to move from her home in Blackburn to her son’s in Savile Town for full time care.

Although confined to a wheelchair Mrs Birader, 77, enjoyed being out in the fresh air so the family would take her to Savile Town sports ground on Savile Road, but the inaccessible rough track around meant that all they could do was sit for a short space of time.

So Mr Birader contacted Coun Salim Patel, who arranged a site visit in July last year. After pushing for as large a path as possible, the complete tarmac track was approved for funding by Dewsbury Area Committee and the work completed in August - and more benches and bins are to follow.

Mr Birader, 44, said: “Before mums with pushchairs or people in wheelchairs couldn’t use the park safely.

“Since the path has been put in place it’s been wonderful. It attracts people from all walks of life - the elderly to get a bit of fresh air, families and parents with their children and even those like myself walking around with loved ones in their wheelchairs - it has become an outlet from the daily chores of life.

Now Mr Saddiq is hoping the council will fund lighting around the path.

A council spokeswoman said: “Over the next month three benches and three litter bins will be installed along the path. There are no plans to install any lighting, lights are only installed in parks for specific facilities such as multi-use games areas.”