Blind man moved on by city council from spot where he collected £9,000 in one year
A BLIND man who collected £9,000 for charity in one year, near to the Eagle Market, has been moved on by council officials.
Cliff Beck spent most days outside the Mobility at Home store, in Theatre Walk, but Derby City Council claims he was blocking a fire exit.
Now traders in the same area have labelled his removal from the spot as a "joke".
Mr Beck said his collections will plummet because he will only be allowed to stand in the Eagle Market exhibition area on one day every two months.
The fundraiser, who collects money for Derbyshire Association for the Blind, said: "My previous spot was good because a lot of people walk past."
Mr Beck, of Keble Close, Derby, began sitting outside the shop with his dog, Nick, towards the beginning of last year and they struck up a good rapport with shoppers.
Since being moved on, Mr Beck said people have struggled to find him.
He said: "I'm very upset. It was a nice location for me and the mobility store loved having me there.
"I could go to the exhibition area, but a few days a year is hardly anything. There's not as many people down that part of the market, either."
Since losing his sight in 1989, Mr Beck has raised about £20,000 for Derbyshire Association for the Blind, which helped him overcome his disability.
His work led to him being nominated for a Derby Telegraph Community Champions Award last week.
Nick Asqua, manager of Mobility at Home, said life at the shop was not the same without Mr Beck.
He said: "Cliff is such a warm character who was always cheerful.
"We miss him already. We enjoyed chatting to him and giving him coffee.
"He is a lovely man who was genuinely raising money for his cause."
Paul Gratton, who works at shoe repair shop Timpson Ltd, opposite where Mr Beck used to sit, described the council's decision to remove him as a "joke".
He said: "He wasn't blocking any passageway. He's a quiet, polite man who was no more in the way than the tables and chairs of the cafe next to the shop."
A council spokesman said Mr Beck would have been moved on earlier had officers noticed him sooner.
He said: "We do not allow any sellers or charity collectors to stand on Theatre Walk.
"A table and chair in the aisle could act as an obstruction and impede the fire exit for others.
"We have no objection to Mr Beck collecting in the exhibition area of the Eagle Market for his charity on pre-agreed dates.
"A number of collectors do this on a diary-booking basis, including the Guide Dogs for the Blind, so that there is fair opportunity for all to collect for a number of charities."
Robin Toal, fund-raising manager for Derbyshire Association for the Blind, said he would seek to hold talks with Derby City Council to find a solution that suited all parties.
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by Roger, Stenson
Wednesday, March 03 2010, 3:21PM
“Words are not enough to describe my contempt for whichever council official took this action. He should be thoroughly ashamed of him/herself. I just hope they never have cause to need the tremendous support that DAB has given to my wife over the years. This official needs to have a re-think - urgently.”
by Shakeel, Normanton
Wednesday, March 03 2010, 2:50PM
“What a brave council official. picking on a blind man. Then again, do we expect anything different nowdays?.
How much are we, as council tax payers, giving this fool a month?”
by Tom Fulep, Sinfin
Wednesday, March 03 2010, 1:27PM
“DCC are an embarrassment and a disgrace. This is nothing more than those who have the pseudo-power bullying the indefensible. I truly despair at those in authority. Get off your high horses and do something useful!”
by ROBERT, OSMASTON
Wednesday, March 03 2010, 1:21PM
“OH DEAR, The half wits strike again.SHAME ON THEM.”
by ROBERT TAYLOR, OSMASTON
Wednesday, March 03 2010, 1:20PM
“Oh dear, the half wits strike again.SHAME ON THEM.”
by ramfangazman, Spondon
Wednesday, March 03 2010, 1:15PM
“i can't really say anything new but feel the need to register my discust for the record.
This man lost his sight 20 years ago, something that must be horrendous, yet over time he found the strentgh to get on with his life thanks in large to a charity. Now, he's raising money for that same charity in order to allow other unfortunate people to bennefitt in the same way he did.
Congratulations Mr. Beck, it's a shame some people have nothing better to do.
Also, if a man collecting on behalf of a charity is deemed to be in the way of a fire escape route, why allow it at all?? it sickens me to my stomache, i literally feel sick. My love for this city is fading......”
by Emma Smith, Derby
Wednesday, March 03 2010, 11:33AM
“I'd like to say I'm shocked but in truth I'm not. This gentleman is not benefiting financially himself, he's collecting for charity. It's about time Derby City Council stopped being complete fools and used some common sense, stop wasting time on non-issues like this and deal with the real problems in Derby, I'd list them but there's far too many!!!”
by Katie, Derby
Wednesday, March 03 2010, 11:03AM
“I could not believe the headline when I saw it. The council are just pathetic. I'm guessing some jobsworth at the council had nothing to do one day and decided to waste some more of our hard earned money. I've seen Cliff on numerous occasions and he has never been blocking any walkways. The council should feel ashamed of themselves.”
by sam, sinfin
Wednesday, March 03 2010, 11:01AM
“Can anyone tell me how this council have any hope left of getting re-elected it seems that every day brings more proof of them being nothing more than playgroud bullies who's power has gone to there heads.”
by Kieron, Castle Donington
Wednesday, March 03 2010, 10:56AM
“Welcome to Derby city Council and their complete and utter jokes..... The council should provide him with a stall in the eagle centre to fundraise for this fab charity instead of this petty thing. After all half of the stalls in the markets are standing empty... Maybe at the same time they could provide a coffee facility for Clive to appreciate his hard work and dedication rather?! Huh what a joke our council is. I'm glad I've moved out of Derby city now but feel sorry for those who have to put up with these idiots at the council.”