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Hugh Owen Building

Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DY

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Rooms and Spaces Links

Rooms and Spaces Links

Getting Here

Useful Information

Building Parking (Floor A Entrances)

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by Blue Badge holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located along the steep hill leading to the Floor A entrances.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 1 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 250cm x 418cm (8ft 2in x 13ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Floor A main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the building is not accessible to a wheelchair user.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 electric charging only spaces available.

Building Parking (Floor B and C Entrances)

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by Blue Badge holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located to the rear of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 2 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 350cm x 600cm (11ft 6in x 19ft 8in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 50m (54yd 2ft) from the Floor B entrances.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
    • The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does have tactile paving.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is a designated drop off point.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop off point.
    • The drop off point is located in the centre of the car park.
    • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
  • Comments View
    • There are two slopes located nearby directly off this car park one leading to the Floor B entrances and the other leading to the C Floor entrance.

Building Parking (Floor E)

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by staff, permit holders and Blue Badge holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located to the rear of the building near the Floor E entrance.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 3 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are signposted and have markings which are faded.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 360cm x 380cm (11ft 10in x 12ft 6in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 32m (34yd 2ft) from the Floor E entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
    • The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does have tactile paving.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Site/Campus Car Park (Hafan)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the rear of the campus.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Arts Centre and the Student Union.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by anybody.
    • Parking charges apply for non permit holders.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment machines are located at the entrance to the car park.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
    • Payment cannot be made by phone.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is sloped access to the car park from the Student Union Building.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the Student Union Building.
  • Comments View
    • The upper level of car park is for staff permit holders only.

Site/Campus Car Park (Visitor)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the rear of the campus near the Arts Centre.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Student Union and Arts Centre.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 470cm x 600cm (15ft 5in x 19ft 8in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by visitors.
    • Parking charges apply to visitors only.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
    • Free parking for Blue Badge holders is restricted to unlimited.
    • Payment machines are located throughout the car park.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
    • Payment cannot be made by phone.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is sloped access to the car park from the Student Union Building.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the Student Union Building.
    • The nearest designated bay is 60m (65yd 1ft) from the Student Union Building.
  • Comments View
    • Parking charges apply between 8am and 5pm on Mondays to Fridays.

Outside Access (Floor A)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building on Floor A.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • There is / are 15+ step(s) to access the entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on the right going up the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • There is an alternate entrance directly opposite this one that leads into the Hugh Owens Building Annexe.
    • This is accessed by two sets of automatic single doors that open 160cm.

Outside Access (Floor B)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in between the first and second set of doors.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.
    • The width of the ramp is 146cm (4ft 9in).

Outside Access (Floor B Stairwell)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 136cm (4ft 6in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located immediately beyond the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The width of the ramp is 148cm (4ft 10in).
  • Comments View
    • There are a similar set of doors located to the right of this entrance.

Outside Access (Floor C)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building on Floor C.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.

Outside Access (Floor D)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off the Arts Piazza.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 123cm (4ft).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • There are no doors at this entrance.
    • The width of the door opening is 148cm (4ft 10in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
    • The width of the ramp is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is / are 8 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • Beyond these two sets of entrance doors is a set of push pad automatic double doors with a width of 120cm that open towards you. These doors are used to access the main corridor and almost all facilities on Floor D. This can be seen in photograph 5.

Outside Access (Floor E)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the Library Floor E.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located on the pathway leading to entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on the right going up the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp is 105cm (3ft 5in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • There is / are 7 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • There is one Blue Badge bay that if parked in can bypasses both the main slope here and the steps.
    • There is however a small additional slight slope located nearer the entrance that cannot be bypassed when using this entrance. The small slope can be seen in photograph 3.
    • To your right on entrance is a set of 15+ steps leading down to Floor D. These can be overcome via a platform lift. The steps can be seen in photograph 5.

Lift (Floor E Entrance)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right on entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 225kg.
  • The lift is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Floor E entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 90cm x 105cm (2ft 11in x 3ft 5in).
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Lift (Evacuation Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located beyond entrance C, to the right along the corridor.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, C, D and E.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • There are manual, single doors which are easy to open to access the lift lobby on all floors.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kgs.
  • The lift is approximately 33m (36yd 3in) from the floor C entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift has a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The system is a fixed loop.
    • Hearing loops are located within rooms A9, A12, A14 , B8, B, 9, B21A, C4, C6, C22, C43, C66, C164, C165, D5, D54 and D59.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are A, B, C, D and E.
    • The stairs are located to your left from the Floor A main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 10m from the Floor A main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the stairwell from the first floor upwards.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is a separate set of stairs from floors A, B and C in the subsection which can be seen in photograph 2. There is a separate set of stairs towards the middle of the building from floors B, C, D and E.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left on entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are A, B, C and D.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630 kg.
  • The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Floor A main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 108cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift has a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Reception (Modern Languages)

  • Modern Languages is located down the corridor to the left on exiting the lift.
  • The desk is 50m (54yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • Clear signage for the reception area is not visible from the lift.
  • There is step free access to this reception area, via lift.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are bright.
  • The reception desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The desk is not staffed.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.

Toilet with Adaptations (Floor A Annexe - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the floor A annexe entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 148cm x 202cm (4ft 10in x 6ft 8in).
    • There is not a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 76cm (2ft 6in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 93cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the external door and wall.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a medium colour contrast between the walls and floor.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Floor D - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Floor D entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located straight ahead and on your right as you enter the building.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 179cm x 226cm (5ft 10in x 7ft 5in).
    • There is a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 43cm (1ft 5in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 89cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on all floors.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A female standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located straight ahead and on your right as you enter the building via the floor D entrance.
    • There is a male standard toilet in the same location.
    • There is step free access to the standard toilet(s) surveyed from the entrance.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 15m from the floor D entrance.
    • There is not a/are not cubicle(s) suitable for ambulant disabled people in the standard toilet(s) surveyed.
    • Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.
  • Comments View
    • .