MP Tests Disabled Access in St Albans

Anne Main was challenged to experience life in a wheelchair, by disabled resident, Nigel Rushton, when she met him at a luncheon club in Marshalswick.

Anne Main was challenged to experience life in a wheelchair, by disabled resident, Nigel Rushton, when she met him at a luncheon club in Marshalswick. Nigel himself a wheel chair user asked Anne to accept the challenge and do a set of tasks which included going to the Post Office, the Tourist Office, having a coffee at the Abbey, buying a newspaper and testing out some shop entrances. Nigel who helps at Shop mobility arranged the loan of a wheel chair for Anne.

Anne welcomed the opportunity to see how compliant our city centre is and accompanied by Nigel she negotiated around the centre of St Albans.

Anne said," it was remarkable that some people can make life very difficult for disabled people. The entrance to the Tourist Office, which is fitted with a ramp had been blocked inside with a book display from a book vendor and even when it was removed it quickly "reappeared" an hour later. Other shops had similar problems as displays were mounted on the floor near entrances making it very difficult to manoeuvre a wheelchair in and out. Some shops had very heavy doors that were impossible to open from a chair. On the whole people were helpful but some simple measures such as putting a bell at the correct height to ring for assistance would make a big difference. It will certainly make me think when I go in shops and I will be lobbying for a fairer access for disabled people."

Anne Main testing wheelchair access in St. Albans.

Photo: Anne Main testing wheelchair access in St. Albans."