New interior of Market Hall

[poppy]

The ones I went in weren't unisex! At least I don't think they were. 

[Alsatian]

The ones I went in weren't unisex! At least I don't think they were. 

You mean you didn't see me in there?!!! 

[Old Cruser]

I have finally got to look around the Market Hall - very disappointing.

I am putting my disability hat on for this as I have been with a wheelchair user and scrutinised the interior from a disabled persons eyes.

I think CBC or whoever agreed and paid for this refurbishment are falling foul of the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act )

Toilets-

Are not ok through the eyes of a wheelchair user.

First they have to be able to pull open the large heavy door whilst seated and enter before it closes onto them.
In the small space provided inside there are mens, ladies and disabled all with doors opening and closing as people entered and left wheelchair users waiting to use the accessible toilet (if it can be called that) are obviously 'in the way' as space is tight.
Once inside the disabled toilet it is squashy, with no room for a support worker to assist the disabled person on/ off the toilet if needed.
I really struggled, had to move the wheelchair back to the door and still couldn't work in a safe moving and handling position.
They may have left room for a 360deg turn (just) - but not taken into consideration the bins placed in there.

Wheelchair user had to back out.
No chance of opening the door themselves because of the cramped conditions inside.

I would think anyone using one of the larger 4x4 scooters would struggle even more.

I managed to wash my hands - then found there was NOTHING to dry them on, paper towels or hand dryer missing.

I looked at the other toilets near the cafe and encountered the same problem, large heavy doors, a squashy entrance hall for entrance and exit of ladies, mens and disabled.

This toilet had a baby changing space and would probably enable the wheelchair user to be able to turn and exit forwards in their wheelchair, again I reckon the 4x4's may struggle.

Shops

CBC you have discriminated disabled users!
They cannot enter the small shops if need a wheelchair or unable to climb a step!
Shame on you for allowing this to happen!

The space walking up from the meat stalls is also squashy and when busy will cause reall problems for those who are in a wheelchair or not too good at walking.

I wouldn't be surprised if someone came along and used the DDA against CBC.

And that stupid large area near the cafe????
If it is intended to stick some kind of market stalls our a small unit there - well then it will be just as squashy as before it was re-furbished.
Leave it as it is???
Quite frankly it looks silly!

Waste of money in my eyes what has been done inside -

Shame on you CBC 

[Fly]

That's not a very good review OC 
One would have thought that in this day and age the council would be more DDA aware 

[Big Dave]

It's the Equalities Act nowadays, isn't it?

[Fly]

Not sure Dave. I just used the terms OC had used 

Equality Act: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/equality-act-guidance
DDA: http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/the-disability-discrimination-act-dda

Looks like the DDA is solely targeted at disability. Equality covers age, sexism etc.

[Old Cruser]

By putting a step to access the shops they are excluding wheelchair users and people who can't walk up a step.

That is discrimination against those people.

There are shops in Chesterfied which have had to provide ramps to enable disabled people access and accessible toilets in some eating places. The DDA act was used against them - McDonalds had to provide large automatic doors for entrance and install an accessible toilet on the level seating area.

Some shops can't make reasonable adjustments because of age position etc - this is accepted

Our borough council have revamped the Market Hall and excluded people with mobility problems from access into the shopping outlets.
How can they justify and get away with that!

[Fly]

Are we, as a forum, going to ask further about this.  Or just let it drop ?
I've got Toby Perkins email addy. Not that Mr Slack hasn't 
Not dragging you down on this one Slacky 

[Old Cruser]

I think that's a good idea Fly, would be interested to hear what they have to say.

I could name quite a few businesses in Chesterfield who have been asked to make accessible their premises or put in an accessible toilet.
I am wondering how they are feeling about this?

It actually cost McD's a lot of money but they made a good job of it in the end - why should the council get away with it without being questioned on it

Don't blame Mr Slack at all it has to be from the top where this has been agreed

[Fly]

Mission on. Tomorrow, or next week.
Tonight might not be the best time to start 

I've got something else to sort out first 

[Old Cruser]

May have a couple of units myself tonight, been one dreadful week and still not sorted - think I'm ready for one 

[therealjr]

The Council used to have an Architect (gentleman by the name of David Botham) whose specific job was to make sure that all borough council buildings met the requirements. He also advised other shops businesses etc on how to adapt their buildings. Can only assume his role / post has been a victim of the cuts and transfers to private contractors.

[Fly]

Think it's a bit of a disgrace, and a total lack of council regs.

[therealjr]

The curious thing is that it passed planning??

[Old Cruser]

They had a 'blank canvas' so no excuse in my mind.

Clearly disabled people have not been taken into thought

 - and the toilets - badly thought out.com
When we went in yesterday people were going in/out of ladies and gents we were 'in the way' waiting for the disabled toilet, then a young woman came out with a double buggy, even more chaos in the squashed spaced, I wished we could have put the w/chair into 'hover mode' to ceiling height