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Access Point - Customer Service Centre

Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, Lewisham, London, SE6 4RU

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Access Point is the main contact point for customers with council services.
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  • It is located on the ground floor of Laurence House and shares the main entrance with Catford Library.
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  • There are council staff offices on the upper floors.
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  • Services which may be contacted via the Access Point include: school applications, council tax, Blue Badge passes, freedom passes, nationality checking, children's social care and housing.
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  • Customers may visit to make an enquiry or for a pre-booked appointment.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Catford Bridge.
  • The nearest DLR station is Lewisham.

Opening Times

  • Monday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Parking (Staff and Blue Badge Parking)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is solely for staff and Blue Badge Holders using the Lewisham Council offices in Catford, including Laurence House. On Saturdays, the car park is open to the public (charges apply).
    • The car park is located to the south of the building, off Canadian Avenue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is/are 5 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 233cm x 475cm (7ft 8in x 15ft 7in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Car Park Entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Car Park Entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 210cm (6ft 11in).
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • The public would normally only use the car park in order to attend a pre-arranged appointment - to collect a new Blue Badge for example.
    • The rest of the car park is staff only and is patrolled. Other visitors must collect a pre-arranged visitor pass from the security office.
    • Three Blue Badge bays have dimensions of 233 x 475cm. The remaining two have dimensions of 233 x 610cm.

Outside Access (Catford Road)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the north of the building, off Catford Road (A205 South Circular).
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 96cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 97cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Comments View
    • Adjacent to the automatic door is a revolving door with an opening width of 138cm (photograph 4).
    • There are security barriers to access the majority of the building from this entrance. The standard barriers are 64cm wide; the wide barriers are 88cm wide.

Outside Access (Car Park Entrance - Blue Badge Holders only)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the venue from the car park.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • There is an intercom.
  • The height of the intercom is 108cm (3ft 7in).
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The width of the door opening is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • Comments View
    • The powered door can be operated by security staff, following contact via the intercom, or by any member of staff using their key card. The key card reader is at a height of 115cm.
    • From this entrance visitors will need to pass through the staff security barriers to reach the main reception foyer.
    • There are two standard barriers and two wide barriers.

Level Change (Car Park Entrance - Blue Badge Holders only)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located directly in front of the Car Park Entrance, leading down from the car park.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 148cm (4ft 10in).

Inside Access

  • 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 moderate to good.

Reception (Laurence House Main Reception)

  • The desk/counter is 9m (9yd 2ft) from the Main Entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • The whole desk is low (76cm).
    • The segment of the desk on the far right as you enter the building also has a deep and clear knee recess, with a clear floor to underside of desk height of 71cm.

Reception (Access Point Reception)

  • The desk/counter is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Main Entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • Access Point users visit this reception to be directed to the appropriate department and be given a number for the queuing/ appointment system.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests in the waiting area, which has ample space for wheelchair users.
    • There are 22 individual booths, all of which have desks at a height of 75cm, and clear knee recesses with a clear floor space of 71cm. Some booths have one seat, some have two, and some have none at all. There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests in the booths. All seats can be moved to give access for a wheelchair user if necessary.
    • There are also two private meeting rooms available (photographs 7 and 8).

Other Floors (Orange Staircase)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B-0-1-2-3-4-5-6.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There are single, manual, heavy doors with a locked extension leaf to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors except the ground floor. These open away from you (push) as you enter the stairwell, and have an opening width of 88cm.
    • These stairs are located to the right as you pass through the security barriers.
    • The vast majority of customers would be seen at the desks or in the meeting rooms on the ground floor.
    • The basement and 6th floor are for building facilities staff only.

Lift (Staff and Accompanied Visitors)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the rear of the foyer area, beyond the security barriers.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0-1-2-3-4-5.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the the Main Entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 115cm x 113cm (3ft 9in x 3ft 8in).
  • 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 controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There are three lifts in the foyer. The right hand lift is an approved evacuation lift.
    • There is a hearing loop alarm system in the lift.
    • The public would normally be seen in meeting rooms and desks on the ground floor.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Catford Road Entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located diagonally to the left as you enter from the Catford Road Entrance.
    • 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 not a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a member of staff.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 156cm x 226cm (5ft 1in x 7ft 5in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • 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 alarm.
    • 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 sanitary, general domestic waste, clinical waste 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 not a mirror.
    • 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 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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 good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the ground floor toilet area.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 92cm (3ft).
  • Comments View
    • To access the toilet area, there is a locked door. Please speak to a member of staff to gain entry.
    • This door is single width (86cm) and opens automatically away from you when activated by a staff key card. There is a small lip on the threshold. The door has braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage indicating the presence of standard and accessible toilets, as well as baby changing facilities.
    • To exit through this door, there is a door release button at a height of 99cm.
    • There is no key or key card to access the facility itself once inside the toilet area.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Catford Road Entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located diagonally to the left as you enter from the Catford Road Entrance.
    • 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 not a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a member of staff.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 163cm x 250cm (5ft 4in x 8ft 2in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 97cm (3ft 2in).
    • 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 alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary, general domestic waste and clinical waste 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 not a mirror.
    • 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 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 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 good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the ground floor toilet area.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 92cm (3ft).
  • Comments View
    • To access the toilet area, there is a locked door. Please speak to a member of staff to gain entry.
    • This door is single width (86cm) and opens automatically away from you when activated by a staff key card. There is a small lip on the threshold. The door has braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage indicating the presence of standard and accessible toilets, as well as baby changing facilities.
    • To exit through this door, there is a door release button at a height of 99cm.
    • There is no key or key card to access the facility itself once inside the toilet area.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located diagonally to the left as you enter from the Catford Road Entrance.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the Catford Road Entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels in the shared toilets are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the ground floor toilet area.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 92cm (3ft).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
  • Comments View
    • To access the toilet area, there is a locked door. Please speak to a member of staff to gain entry.
    • This door is single width (86cm) and opens automatically away from you when activated by a staff key card. There is a small lip on the threshold. The door has braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage indicating the presence of standard and accessible toilets, as well as baby changing facilities.
    • To exit through this door, there is a door release button at a height of 99cm.
    • There is no key or key card to access the facility itself once inside the toilet area.

Parent and Baby Room (Ground Floor Toilet Area)

  • There is a parent and baby room for public use.
  • The parent and baby room is located diagonally to the left as you enter from the Catford Road Entrance, within the toilet area.
  • The parent and baby room is approximately 11m from the Catford Road Entrance.
  • There is step-free access to the parent and baby room.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the room.
  • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text 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 92cm (3ft).
  • 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 85cm.
  • The wash basin tap type is sensor.
  • There is/are not chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
  • There is not a toilet in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • To access the toilet area, there is a locked door. Please speak to a member of staff to gain entry.
    • This door is single width (86cm) and opens automatically away from you when activated by a staff key card. There is a small lip on the threshold. The door has braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage indicating the presence of standard and accessible toilets, as well as baby changing facilities.
    • To exit through this door, there is a door release button at a height of 99cm.
    • There is no key or key card to access the facility itself once inside the toilet area.

Additional Info

  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
  • The assistance dog toilet area is located in the bushes around the car park.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service can be requested.
  • Home visits / services are not available.