Agenda item

A talk by service users

The Chairman explained that earlier in the year, he and other members, including the Police and Crime Commissioner and local MP, had taken part in the Wheelchair Challenge, which had provided a genuine insight into some of the difficulties wheelchair users face on a daily basis.  At that time, he had also attended a talk on by the ladies that would be speaking to the committee this evening and was keen that the committee hear it and give some thought as to if and how the council could provide any solutions. 

Bille-Jane had lived independently for 19 years and Nicola Bates who had lived independently for 8 years, stressed the importance of disabled toilets on their wellbeing, not just their availability, but their accessibility, as for some, this could often mean the difference between being able to go out and not.  

They proceeded to outline some of the many issues that users often encountered when using disabled toilets: 

• Some disabled toilets weren’t big enough to accommodate modern, battery powered wheelchairs, let alone the carer(s) that the wheelchair user may need to have assist them, depending on the severity of their disability.  
• Some of the toilets were set on plinths and in some cases this meant that they were too high for wheelchair users to be able to manoeuvre themselves onto.  
• Panic alarms could be activated by accident where the cords were wrapped around the bar.
• It was often the case that disabled toilets were used as storage areas for highchairs and whilst this undoubtedly posed an accessibility issue for wheelchair users and it also raised hygiene concerns.  
• It was also important for the rails and bars to be correctly fitted.  Nicola had recently had an experience where the bar had come away from the wall and she had fallen to the floor and bumped her head. 

The best example of a disabled toilet in Cheltenham had been in the Beechwood Arcade, though this had closed since John Lewis had taken over the building.  Another good example was the toilet at the Brewery (located next to the cash points), this was a really large space but it didn’t have a hoist or changing bed. 

Billie-Jane and Nicola felt that when considering the layout and facilities for new disabled toilets, they should be consulting those people that will be using the toilet: people with disabilities, wheelchair users and carers, so that the result is a facility that works. 

They then talked through some of the issues faced when trying to use buses;

·         Much of the space was only large enough to accommodate a manual wheelchair, rather than powered chairs which were much bigger. 

·         Wheelchair users were expected to position the back of their chairs against the window but this necessitated a certain amount of manoeuvring and this was often impeded by the position of some of the poles.

·         A lack of straps meant that there were occasions when the weight of the chair would cause it to move as buses took corners.

·         Both had experiences of bus drivers refusing to lower the ramp.

·         Often, the vehicle would start moving off before the wheelchair was in position, which made an already quite stressful experience, even more so.  Put simply, they were not able to get into and use the space in the way that they were expected to. 

Billie-Jane and Nicola gave the following responses to member questions:

·         Both had their own radar keys and felt that this was the best option, rather than leaving disabled toilets open or having to seek someone out to permit access. 

·         There was a minimum standard which developers had to meet, but this standard resulted in many facilities falling short of many people’s needs.

·         The suggestion was that Cheltenham should have 1 or 2 fully equipped disabled toilets and that these would need to be readily accessible.  Obviously any such facility within John Lewis would only be available during store opening hours. 

·         John Lewis had been contacted upon closure of the Beechwood Arcade to enquire about the future of the disabled toilet facility but no response had been received.  This was a well sized toilet which included a hoist and a changing bed with safety rails on and it was hoped that this would be retained. 

The Cabinet Member Clean and Green addressed the committee, explaining that responsibility for public toilets fell within his portfolio and as part of the Pittville Play Area he had become aware of Changing Places.  Having reviewed Cheltenham’s provision of disabled toilets and in view of the fact that many buildings in Cheltenham were considered to be of architectural and historical interest and as such, were listed, two sites that had been identified were Pittville and Montpellier gardens.  Installation of facilities at Pittville Park alone would cost around £60k and the Council did not have the funds to both, but one option being explored was that of raising the funds.  The Cabinet Member had also spoken with a senior member of staff at John Lewis about retaining and/or improving the current provision and it was considered that this would be beneficial to John Lewis if the facility was promoted on the Changing Places map.  He hoped that gave assurances that this was something the Council was aware of and was giving serious consideration to. 

Billie-Jane suggested that the Cabinet Member may like to speak to Scott Lahive at Regents Arcade as he had indicated that they would be reviewing their disabled toilet facilities.  

A member highlighted that a 24hr public disabled toilet had been opened in Kidderminster and felt sure that if Kidderminster Town and Worcestershire County Council could install a facility of this standard, Cheltenham and Gloucestershire could do the same.  Another member queried whether there was any Licensing legislation which would allow the authority to ensure that disabled toilets were not used for storage.   

Members were reminded that Gloucestershire County Council were responsible for public bus services and therefore any issues should be raised at that level.

A mobile disabled toilet which came complete with a hoist was available to hire and this was something that should be considered for use at various events and perhaps this should be raised with the Trust. 

The Chairman thanked Billie-Jane and Nicola for providing insight into an area which not all would be familiar and also thanked the Cabinet Member Clean and Green Environment for the update that he had provided.  He confirmed that the Lead Members for this committee would put together a list of issues raised as part of this discussion and decide how those issues would be taken forward.  He also took the opportunity to thank the Phoenix Centre for allowing us to use their facility. 

Billie-Jane and Nicola thanked the committee for giving them the opportunity to share their experiences and views.