Critics question Braille squash signs

HALESOWEN, England, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- Officials in Halesowen, England, have drawn criticism after they spent more than $10,000 to post Braille signs on squash courts at a local leisure center.

The signs, which were posted by Dudley Council officials at Halesowen Leisure Center, instruct squash court users on the safety rules of the court and instruct players on the proper type of shoes to wear, The Daily Mail reported Monday.

"While blind people participate in all kinds of sport, including football, they don't play squash," said one player at the center. "So I can't understand why the signs in the squash court area are in Braille."

The Royal National Institute of Blind People agreed that squash is not generally a sport enjoyed by the blind.

"Blind and visually impaired people are able to play many sports but not squash," the institute said.

A council spokesman defended the Braille signs.

"Council leisure centers are available for everyone and we pride ourselves on making sure people of all abilities have access to information and facilities," he said.

The spokesman said the squash courts are occasionally used for purposes that are more blind-friendly, including aerobics, martial arts and dance.