A CONTROVERSIAL Government leaflet explaining the forthcoming referendum on a North-East regional assembly has come under fire again - this time from blind and partially-sighted voters.

Campaigners say the Government's Your Say leaflet discriminates against the region's thousands of visually impaired voters because, although it is available in eight languages, there is nothing to say it is available in a form suitable for the partially-sighted.

Although audio and large print versions of the leaflet can be made available on request, but there is nothing on the leaflet to say so and it is down to individual voters to demand a copy.

County Durham Society For The Blind and Partially Sighted is now making audio copies of the leaflet available to members.

Coordinator Sandra Hillyard said there were 3,500 registered blind in the county and a further 9,000 who had sight problems.

"These people are being discriminated against by this unthoughtful move," she said.

"It is not in large print or a suitable font and the choice of colours and glossy finish makes the leaflet unsuitable.

"It does not say anywhere on the leaflet that alternative formats are available and there are no phone numbers to contact them either."

A spokeswoman for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister said it was standard practice for publicity material to be available in all formats on request and as such it was not necessary to highlight the fact on all leaflets.

She said: "The last thing we want to do is deny people access. We are sorry to hear if anyone has had trouble getting hold of it."

The society for the blind and partially sighted has copies of the Your Say leaflet, explaining the forthcoming vote on the regional assembly for the North-East, available in audio format. Anyone interested in a copy is asked to call (0191) 386 8175