A NEW scheme to provide emergency interpreters for deaf people at short notice is being pioneered in Rossendale.

East Lancashire Sign Language Interpreting Service has developed a scheme to help address the shortage of qualified interpreters.

Lucy Cotton, spokeswoman for the service, said since that the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act, all services must now ensure equal access to all members of the community.

Schemes are now being set up throughout Rossendale in a bid to meet the needs of the act.

Lucy Cotton said: "Deaf people are a linguistic minority group who often face discrimination due to language barriers.

"Under the new act it means that for deaf people the provision of a sign language interpreter is a legal necessity.

"At present, Interpreting Services are affected by the dire shortage of qualified interpreters and often fail to fulfil bookings as a result.

"However the East Lancashire Sign Language Interpreting Service is currently undergoing developments in order to provide a unique service in this region that aims to overcome this problem."

To book an interpreter, contact either Lucy Cotton or Deborah Mellor on 01252 844552.