SERVICES for blind people in Newport are not good enough, according to a woman who registered as blind 20 years ago.

Phyllis Grayer, 92, says the city has no facilities for those blind or partially sighted; and those without their vision feel "forgotten".

"There are people registering as blind every day and people have no idea what it is like for us."

Mrs Grayer said to get to the Gwent Association for the Blind centre in Pontypool she would have to take two buses before walking to the centre.

She is on the waiting list for a guide dog but says she feels vulnerable if she leaves the house with a white cane.

"We are told we could be the target for criminals.

"I'm getting old now so I want services to help other people."

3,200 people in Gwent use the services at the Gwent Association for the Blind headquarters at Bradbury House, Pontypool.

Braille lessons and rehabilitation and mobility work help to enable people to become more independent.

The centre is run by a handful of permanent and part-time staff along with a team of volunteers.

A resource centre at Bradbury House provides talking clocks, watches and other equipment to enrich everyday life for blind people.

Development manager Nirmala Disavadia said she wished more could be done.

"Unfortunately our resources are limited by our funding.

"If we could have a centre in Newport then we would, but we simply don't have the money to staff it.

"We have a run-down mini bus and we're desperate for a new one.

Ms Disavadia said GAB do run a weekly social club in Newport.

For more information on the GAB, or to help in fundraising activities, call 01495 763650 or visit www.gwentblind.org