SWINDON is one of the best places in the country for people with hearing difficulties, campaigners claim.

The announcement was made during a special award ceremony held to recognise individuals and organisations that have gone out of their way to improve the lives of those with hearing impairments.

Organised by campaign group Let’s Hear in Swindon, the award ceremony was held in the council offices and was hosted by the town’s mayor, Maureen Penny.

The awards were named in fond memory of the recently deceased Tony Martin of the Zurich Community Trust, who so ably guided the group during its formative years.

Tim Mason, chairman of the Let’s Hear in Swindon, said: “The most important sense we have is hearing, but in many ways it is the least respected. If you consider sight, we all regularly get our eyes tested. But we tend to neglect our hearing.

“This is why Let’s Hear in Swindon is so important. We are one of the lead towns in the country and we are intent on making hearing a top priority. But there’s still a lot more we can do.”

The awards recognised the contributions of organisations who have gone the extra mile in supporting the hard of hearing.

In particular, campaigners looked for improvements in provision covering such matters as staff awareness and training, the provision of quiet areas or quiet times, and the prevalence and care of hearing loops.

One such winner was the Steam Museum, commended for its efforts to “make hearing a top priority”.

Steam’s Julie Bacon and Juliette Hudson were thrilled to come away with an award.

A proud Julie said: “It’s fantastic that we have won. We are really pleased because we think it’s very important that public places should cater for people with hearing difficulties.”

Juliette agreed. She pointed to the fact that Steam has recently had a new reception desk and a loop system fitted for people with hearing aids.