PRESS RELEASE
Issued by:
Councillor Gill Gardiner
Date of Issue: September 14th 2007
Contact numbers:
0151 625 2738
07803 065578

‘Planning rules make a mockery of disabled access'
Councillor backs wheelchair users' demands

A local councillor has hit out at Planning rules relating to applications for disabled access.

Liberal Democrat ward Councillor for Irby, Councillor Gill Gardiner , last night described an application by an Irby post office and store to install a wheelchair disabled access ramp as making a nonsense of the planning system, but Council Officers were recommending approval for the ramp because it meets planning regulations.

Councillor Gardiner, commenting on the application by McColls and Irby Post Office said,

“Whilst the access ramp is to be welcomed in principle, this planning application doesn't address the real problem for disabled people accessing this store, which is the existing entrance lobby/doorway.

“The ramp may lead disabled customers into a difficult situation and cause congestion.

“The platform which the ramp leads onto doesn't meet British standards. Rather than aiding disabled people this ramp may lead them into difficulties when they reach the platform and try to enter the shop through a heavy door.”

Councillor Gardiner argued,

“The ramp should not be considered in isolation of the entrance that it leads into, simply to take the ramp in isolation makes nonsense of the planning system. I'm all in favour of improving disabled access to the Post Office and store, but there has to be a better solution than that which is on offer.”

“The planning rules make a mockery of disabled access.”

The Committee agreed to defer the application for the second time, when Officers offered to come back with a further report.

For further information/photo opportunity contact -

David Finnegan (wheelchair user) 0151 648 7704 or 0151 330 1292 (work)