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Dacorum Borough Council

The Forum, Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 1DN

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Access Guide

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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.
  • 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.
  • On Street Blue Badge Parking View
    • 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.
  • On Street Standard Parking View
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are available.
    • Standard marked parking bays are located on Marlowes.
  • Comments View
    • The on-street standard bays are not individually marked.
    • The bays are approximately 45m from the main entrance.

Access Point

  • Access Point View
    • 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.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • 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).
  • Step(s) View
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • 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)

  • Entrance View
    • 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.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • 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.
  • 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.
  • Comments View
    • 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.
  • Location and Access View
    • 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.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • 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.
  • 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 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • 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).
  • 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)

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)

  • Steps View
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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)

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.