LOCAL MP Alistair Burt has welcomed the first anniversary of a life-saving new service which provides direct access to the emergency services for the region's deaf and hard of hearing population. As Minister for Social Security and Disabled People he attended a parliamentary reception in London, hosted by British Telecom and the Royal National Institute for Deaf People.

While there he took part in demonstrations of the Text User's Emergency Service which provides 24-hour, 365-day nationwide access to the police, the ambulance service and the fire brigade.

Users only need to dial freephone 0800 112 999.

Said Mr Burt: "It's incredible to think that up until last year deaf people were unable to gain direct access to the emergency services.

"The development of TypeTalk's emergency service is quite literally a lifeline.

"It has already been instrumental in saving the lives of deaf people - and allowing deaf people to save the lives of others."

ZINFORMATION leaflets about Typetalk and the Text User's Emergency Service are available from: Typetalk, John Wood House, Glacier Building, Harrington Road, Brunswick Business Park, Liverpool L3 4DF. Or by phoning 0151 709 9494 (voice) or 0151 500 888 (Textphone).

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