How Our Access Audits for Calderdale and beyond make a difference…

Relaxing in the sun, Pisco Sour in hand (a Peruvian cocktail), I started reminiscing about the access audits work we’re trying to do here in Calderdale, and how there’s no chance of us doing all of it on our own – the key is kick-starting others to carry on the good work.

We can’t audit and advise on every shop, every museum, every church hall, visit every green space, or walk every walk, so it’s wonderful to hear from people who’ve taken on the mantle and have been activated by our visits and want to carry on the good work. They’ve secured the funding, convinced the Trustees and want to forge ahead.

Access Audits in Action: Cromwell Bottom Leads the Way

Places such as Cromwell Bottom show the ripple effect that access audits can have. Originally, they wanted me to look at some paths and a small viewing platform design. That led to a full audit. They seemed to be very enthusiastic after this and came back with more ideas. Several years down the line, they’ve built new accessible toilets, brand new and improved paths and seating, brought in an education centre, and even constructed a new, fully accessible, two-storey viewing structure. With plans for raised beds for disabled children to go on a bug hunt, and plans for an improved car park, there’s no stopping them!

Inclusive Playgrounds: Every Child Deserves to Play

Last year, we were asked to review the main parks in Calderdale with a focus on inclusive playground equipment. My Play Area reports, pushing for more accessible and inclusive play items, seem to have struck a chord. Every child has the right to play, not to just watch the others, and now I receive regular updates about new equipment and new paths – even new picnic tables going into Shibden and other parks.

Benches, Breaks and Everyday Accessibility

When you go for your walks around town and the countryside, you’ll often take a break sitting on a bench. Have you noticed whether there is space at the side of the bench for a wheelchair user to sit? I’ve asked for this on hundreds and hundreds of occasions, and it’s finally bearing fruit – the message is getting out there! If there isn’t a space, mention it to someone.

Recent Local Successes: Big Changes from Small Starts

Some of our recent successes include:

Brackenbed Park – staff are listening to my advice on their path development throughout the park.

Hebden Bridge Hostel – gave me chapter and verse about a new accessible room design.

Halifax Rugby Club – are now investing in a Changing Places toilet!

Beyond Calderdale: The Reach of Access Audits

And it works further afield. A few years ago, we were asked to audit parts of Raby Castle in Northumberland and train some staff. Lovely place. I remember advising them to change the loose gravel paths in the historical walled garden to something bonded, and to restructure the car park. Then the castle approach was over cobbles and old flags with very limited access once inside. I was told most of the ground floor was level once you’d climbed a few steps. I found a stepped back entrance leading to this level floor and advised building a wooden ramp. This could be removed for filming and photography and wouldn’t compromise their listed status. Eyes lit up! Since then, they’ve told me about the new, improved garden, then the new entrance, then the new car park, and now a completely new visitor centre, and a new website!

And It Keeps On Growing…

Bringing this to a close (I need a second Pisco Sour I think), I’ve literally just received an email from my rock guitarist friend at Brighouse Methodists. They’ve fully accepted my previous audit, and now have architects’ plans they would like me to look over.

From little acorns…

Enjoy the sun, but keep looking and commenting,
Speak soon,
Chris