Access Guide
Opening Times
- Monday 07:00 - 22:00.
- Tuesday 07:00 - 22:00.
- Wednesday 07:00 - 22:00.
- Thursday 07:00 - 22:00.
- Friday 07:00 - 22:00.
- Saturday 09:30 - 16:00.
- Sunday 12:00 - 16:00.
Location
- There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- The nearest National Rail station is Hemel Hempstead.
- There is not a tram stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
Parking
- The venue does not have its own car park.
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Public Car Parks
View
- There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
- The name of the car park is Water Gate Park Gardens.
- The car park is located on Leighton Buzzard Road.
- There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
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On Street Blue Badge Parking
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- On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
- The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 294cm x 460cm (9ft 8in x 15ft 1in).
- On street Blue Badge parking is located on Dacorum Way.
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On Street Standard Parking
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- Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are available.
- Standard marked parking bays are located on Marlowes.
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Comments
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- The on-street standard bays are not individually marked.
- The bays are approximately 45m from the main entrance.
Access Point
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Access Point
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- This information is for the access point located on the approach to the main entrance.
- There is not an information board/map at this access point.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this access point.
- There is no gate at this access point.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located to the right of the main entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step(s)
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- The step(s) is/are located in front and to the left of the main entrance.
- There is/are 8 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
- The going of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
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Comments
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- Depending on the direction you approach from, there may be 6, 7 or 8 steps.
- The going of the steps ranges from 29.5cm - 30.5cm.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front 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.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 120cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located to the right of the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
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Comments
View
- There are two entrance doors.
- One is automatic and opens by sliding (currently permanently held open).
- To the left is an automatic door operated by push pads.
- The door opening is 120cm wide.
- The exterior push pad is at a height of 95cm.
- This door can be opened for exiting by two push pads at a height of 105cm (push pad is 2.5 metres from door) and 100cm (next to the door).
Reception
- The desk/counter is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a portable loop.
- The hearing assistance system is not signed.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
Inside Access
- There is not level access to the service(s).
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The system is a portable loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
- This venue does not play background music.
- Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
Customer Services (Ground Floor)
- All self service equipment has a usable height of between 80cm - 140cm.
- The water machine is foot operated.
- There is a water machine, self service machines, telephones and payment machines in the Customer Services area.
Voluntary Sector (Ground Floor)
- There are offices, a reception and Citizen's Advice.
- The doors open away from you.
- The door opening is 178cm.
- The reception is on the right hand side as you enter.
- The reception has clear screens for Covid-19 protection.
Library
- This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
- This library does have a regular supply of books in large print.
- This library does have a regular supply of books in audio format.
- There is an ordering service.
- The library does have computers with accessible software.
- Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
- A large text keyboard, large rollerball mouse, height adjustable table and height adjustable chair is / are available.
- Equipment available for people with a visual impairment includes a magnifying glass.
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Comments
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- There is dictatable software on the computers.
- There are two separate rooms within the library. A meeting room and a creator space.
- Both rooms are being used for storage due to Covid-19 measures.
- The meeting room has desks, seating (some with armrests) and a TV monitor.
- The creator space has desks, a printer/scanner and computers.
- There is an accessible toilet in the library.
Accessible Toilet (Library - Right Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the library entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located behind and to the right of the library reception.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is required for the accessible toilet.
- The key is a radar key.
- The key can be obtained from library reception.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 226cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 5in).
- There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 83cm (2ft 9in).
- 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 alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are sanitary and general domestic waste disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- The height of the coat hook is 130cm from the floor.
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Position of Fixtures
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- 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer requires hands to be inserted into the top.
- 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 103cm (3ft 5in).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
- The lighting levels are good.
Eating and Drinking
- The following information is for the café.
- The café is located to the right of the reception.
- Full table service is not available.
- Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the main entrance.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 45cm (1ft 6in).
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The standard height for tables is 74cm.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Plastic / takeaway cups are not available.
- Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
- Drinking straws are not available.
- Menus are wall only.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are not available in large print.
- Picture menus are not available.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor - Left Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
View
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located behind reception and adjacent to the lifts.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards (automatically).
- The door is push pad activated.
- The door is locked by a push button or pad.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The door is easy to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 149cm x 220cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 3in).
- There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 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 alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are sanitary, clinical waste and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- The height of the coat hook is 130cm from the floor.
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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 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer requires hands to be inserted into the top.
- 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 not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
- There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s)
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- The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located behind reception and adjacent to the lifts.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the Main Entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
- Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are good.
Parent and Baby Room (Baby Change Ground Floor)
- There is a parent and baby room for public use.
- The parent and baby room is located behind the reception and adjacent to the lifts.
- The parent and baby room is approximately 18m from the main entrance.
- There is step-free access to the parent and baby room.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the room.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the parent and baby room door.
- The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
- The baby change table is not height adjustable.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 74cm (2ft 5in).
- There are disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
- There is a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
- The height of the wash basin is 72cm.
- The wash basin tap type is lever.
- There is/are not chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
- There is a toilet in the parent and baby room.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- The lighting levels are good.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located behind reception.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
- Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
- The lift is approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the 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 150cm x 140cm (4ft 11in 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 not have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The lift does have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.
Other Floors (Stairs)
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Comments
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- There is a emergency stair lift located in the stairwell on the first floor.
Inside Access (First Floor)
- There is level access to the service(s).
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- This venue does not play background music.
- Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Comments
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- There is a water fountain located outside Conference Room 1.
Register Office
- The entrance doorway to the Register Office has an opening of 188cm.
- There are 4 office/meeting rooms.
- Only 3 of the offices are in use due to covid measures.
- The door openings are all 92cm.
- All the doors open by push (away from you).
- There are screens on the desks as a preventative Covid-19 measure.
- There is seating within the waiting area, some of which is restricted due to Covid-19 precautions.
- All of the 4 meeting rooms have fixed hearing loops.
- There is seating (without armrests) within all of the offices.
- The hearing loops are signed.
Reception (Register Office)
- The desk/counter is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- Level access to the desk/counter is via lift.
- The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
- The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is not signed.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 25/08/2021.
- The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.
Register Office Ceremony Room
- There are double doors at the entrance.
- The door opening width is 198cm.
- There is a portable hearing loop. There are 3 loops available. None were charged at the time of survey, August 2021.
- The seating available did not have armrests, however these are available on request.
- Capacity is at 39 due to Covid-19 measures. In normal circumstances the capacity is 60.
- There is a free standing hand sanitiser station on the left as you enter.
- It is at a height of 125cm.
Conference Room 1
- Conference Room 1 is located on the first floor between the Council Chamber and Conference Room 2.
- At the time of survey it was opened up and being used in conjunction with the Council Chamber.
- The desks are at a height of 73cm.
- There are hand sanitisers at the entrance and on each desk.
Conference Room 2
- Conference Room 2 is located on the first floor between Conference Room 1 and the Register Ceremony Room.
- There is a mix of seating both with and without armrests.
- The desks are at a height of 73cm.
- There are hand sanitisers at the entrance and on each desk.
Council Chamber
- The Council Chamber is located on the first floor towards the front of the building and to left of Chamber Room 1.
- There are separate doors for the entrance and exit.
- Both sets of doors are double doors.
- The door opening width are both 179cm.
- There is a mix of seating both with and without armrests.
- The desks are at a height of 73cm.
- There are hand sanitisers at the entrance and on each desk.
Accessible Toilet (First Floor - Left Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
View
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lifts.
- This accessible toilet is located to the right as you exit the lifts, along the corridor to the Register Office and through a power assisted door.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
- This is by lift.
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Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards (automatically).
- The door is push pad activated.
- The door is locked by a push button or pad.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 89cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 149cm x 222cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 3in).
- There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 81cm (2ft 8in).
- 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 alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are sanitary, clinical waste and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- The height of the coat hook is 133cm from the floor.
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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 49cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer requires hands to be inserted into the top.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- 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 not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Baby Change Facilities
View
- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 79cm (2ft 7in).
Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s)
View
- The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located behind the lifts.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lifts.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
- This is by lift.
- Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are good.
Additional Info
- Documents are not available in Braille.
- Documents are not available in large print.
- A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
- A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
- This service can be requested.
- Home visits / services are not available.