As in previous year’s Mike wanted to go to the Mayor Making, but he almost decided to stay away because of access issues. But I persuaded him to give it a go.
First he made his way up the ramp, only to find that the stair lift was broken. Being an old model it is very expensive to get the parts. The Guildhall is to have much better disability access after the redevelopment so repairing that stairlift is considered to be throwing good money after bad. So wheelchair users are asked to use the other lift.
That involves going down the ramp, over an uneven road. Through a narrow opening and then into a narrow lift.
Finally after passing some toilets, Mike arrived at the Abbey Room where the Mayor Making would take place.
Well done Mike for persevering and I’m sorry that it was such an obstacle course.
Council meetings will take place in the Roysse Room from now until access to the rest of the building is sorted
Given legislation relating to access, why was the meeting held in such an inaccessible place? It seems an odd decision.
Good to keep us aware of these things, especially after the Paralympics.
Apologies Mike – I’m afraid the current access arrangements leave a lot to be desired, but I’m glad you were able to get in.
As Backstreeter says, one of the key aims of the new development will be to improve access, not just to this room, but also to some of the historic rooms, and we’ve taken input from the Vale Disability Forum (which Mike chairs as one of his many community roles) to make sure we get this right.
Currently the Roysse room is the only room which has good access for wheel chairs and buggies Paul, and this was used for drinks and canapes after the ceremony, but is not big enough for the ceremony itself. It’s certainly not a good solution but the best available at present unfortunately.
Thanks for the explanation, Iain. I appreciate your quick answer to my random question!
However, given that many voluntary bodies and communities (churches, youth clubs and the like) have rightly had to improve their access for the disabled – but at their own cost, it is a little surprising that the Council appears to have been less compliant with regard ti buildings and rooms used for public and civic business. I do hope that the issue will be resolved swiftly and in a way that is satisfactory to all concerned.
Thanks Paul – just to be clear, the building is fully compliant with relevant rules around access but the standards are not as high as we would like. There are definitely areas we are not happy with which are being addressed as part of the new scheme which will deliver a much better experience for visitors to the building with limited mobility, both in terms of how much of the building can be accessed and also the ability to navigate the building independently.