Access Guide
Summary
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Getting Help and Assistance
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- This motorway services is open 24 hours.
- There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
- Assistance can be obtained from staff at WHSmith.
- There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
- There is not a portable hearing assistance system.
- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
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Services Available
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- The following services are available here; a petrol station, electric car charging points, cash machines and free WiFi.
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Toilets and Changing Facilities Available
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- The following facilities are available here; an accessible toilet, shower facilities, baby changing facilities and standard toilets.
- For detailed information on the toilets available please click here (new tab).
- The Virtual Access Guide below shows the route from the Blue Badge parking bays to the accessible toilet, please click the link below.
- For a Virtual Route Guide to the toilet facilities please click here (new tab).
- There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
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Shops
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- The following shops are available here; Spar, WHSmith and Phone Tech.
- For the Spar - M1 - Northampton Services - Northbound - Roadchef AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
- For the WHSmith - M1 - Northampton Services - Northbound - Roadchef AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
- For the Phone Tech AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
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Catering Facilities
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- The following catering facilities are available here; Leon, Costa, Fresh Food Café and McDonald's.
- For the Leon - M1 - Northampton Services - Northbound - Roadchef AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
- For the Costa - M1 - Northampton Services - Northbound - Roadchef AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
- For the Fresh Food Café - M1 - Northampton Services - Northbound - Roadchef AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
- For the McDonald's - M1 - Northampton Services - Northbound - Roadchef AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
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Adjoining Motorway Services
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- There is an adjoining motorway services building which cannot be accessed via this building.
- The following services are available at the adjoining motorway services; a petrol station, electric car charging points, cash machines and free WiFi.
- The following facilities are available at the adjoining motorway services; an accessible toilet, standard toilets, baby changing facilities and shower facilities.
- For the M1 - Northampton Services - Southbound - Roadchef AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
Getting Here
- The motorway services are located directly off the M1 at junction 15a for both northbound and southbound directions of travel with direct access from the A43 also.
- There is signage along the motorway indicating the distance to the services.
- The car park has 5 Blue Badge parking bays, 2 electric charging points and a number of standard parking bays on both the northbound and southbound services.
- There is 1 Blue Badge parking bay and limited standard parking available at the petrol station.
- There is ample coach parking available at the services.
Petrol Station
- The following services/facilities are available at the petrol station; a cash machine, standard parking bays, accessible and standard toilet facilities and Blue Badge parking bays.
- For detailed information on the petrol station please click here (new tab).
Parking
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Parking
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- The car park is located at the front of the venue.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- There is lighting in the car park.
- Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
- Additional parking is available outside the petrol station.
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Blue Badge Parking
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- There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
- There is signage available to direct users to the Blue Badge parking bays.
- There is/are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 220cm x 510cm.
- The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to both sides and rear.
- The marked zones around the Blue Badge parking bay(s) have at least the recommended width of 120cm.
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Paying
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- Parking charges apply after a limited time.
- Free parking for all users is limited to 2 hours.
- Payment signs are provided.
- Payment signs are clearly presented.
- Payment signs are located throughout the car park.
- Payment term signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
- Payment for parking charges is made over the phone and via an app/online.
- To see the parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
- To pay via the NexusPay app use the location code 1995.
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Access from the Car Park
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- Pedestrian walkways are available in the car park.
- The surface on the pedestrian walkways is tarmac.
- The pedestrian crossings have tactile paving on both sides.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 19m from the accessible entrance.
- There are dropped kerbs and slopes/ramps from the Blue Badge bay(s) to the building.
- The entrance is clearly visible from the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
Electric Vehicle Charging Points (Gridserve)
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Standard Electric Vehicle Charging Point(s)
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- There is a/are electric vehicle charging point(s) available.
- The provider of the charging point(s) is Gridserve.
- Rapid charging is available.
- The electric vehicle charging point(s) is/are located at the far right of the car park as you face the main entrance.
- Staff are able to provide assistance with the electric vehicle charging points.
- If you require assistance with accessibility to our chargers then please contact our Duty Manager between 7am-10pm on 07826 872 806 or going in and asking for help at WHSmith.
When you arrive please let us know the following: colour and model of car and how we can support you. For all other assistance with charging please call GRIDSERVE on 0333 1234 333. - There is/are 2 electric vehicle charging point(s).
- The electric vehicle charging bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The dimensions of the electric vehicle charging bay(s) surveyed are 230cm x 400cm.
- The charging point(s) is/are located to the front as you approach the bay(s).
- The height range of the electric vehicle charging point controls/screen is 107cm to 127cm.
- The height of the electric vehicle charging point nozzle slot is 100cm.
- The charging point(s) require tap and pay (contactless payment).
- Parking charges apply for all users (including Blue Badge holders).
- Charging for all users is limited to 45 minutes.
- Payment signs are provided.
- Payment signs are clearly presented.
- Payment for charging is made at the charging point(s).
- For more information and a guide to electric vehicle charging please click here.
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Blue Badge Electric Vehicle Charging Point(s)
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- There is not a/are not designated electric vehicle charging point(s) available for Blue Badge holders.
Seating Area (Outside Seating)
- The seating area is located outside the main entrance and rear of the car park.
- There is step-free access to the seating area.
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the seating area.
- In this area there are picnic tables with fixed seating and bench seats available.
- Some chairs are fixed to tables and the floor.
- Some tables are fixed to the floor.
- The distance between the floor and the underside of the lowest table is 77cm.
- The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest table is 79cm.
- Lighting levels are good.
Outside Access (Main Entrance - Right Side)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front right side of the services buiding.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'Entrance'.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance area which may look like a hole to some people.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 102cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of this entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 102cm.
- There are bollards at this entrance.
- The minimum width between the bollards is 220cm.
- The height of the bollard(s) is 95cm.
- The bollards do contrast visually with the paving.
- There is a/are hand sanitiser(s) in this area.
- The height of the hand sanitiser(s) is/are 80cm.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located on the approach to the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
Outside Access (Main Entrance - Left Side)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front left of the services building.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'Entrance'.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance area which may look like a hole to some people.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 102cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 102cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of this entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
- There are bollards at this entrance.
- The minimum width between the bollards is 220cm.
- The height of the bollard(s) is 95cm.
- The bollards do contrast visually with the paving.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located immediately beyond the exit leading to the car park.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the services building, to the left of the main entrance.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'Accessible Only'.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- 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 95cm from floor level.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 100cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of this entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located on the approach to the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
Getting Around
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Access and Circulation
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- There is step-free access throughout the building.
- There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of walkways.
- The lighting levels are good.
- Music is played everywhere.
- The cash machine(s) is/are located next to WHSmith.
- The controls/screen heights of the cash machine(s) vary between 110cm and 130cm.
- There are hand sanitisers in the building.
- The height of the hand sanitisers range between 80cm and 123cm.
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Signage
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- There is signage for the shop(s)/restaurant(s), overhead written signage, overhead pictorial signage and dementia friendly signage available.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is not consistent throughout the building.
Seating Area
- The seating area is located near McDonald's and Fresh Food Café.
- There is step-free access to the seating area.
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the seating area.
- In this area there are chairs without armrests, bench seats and tables available.
- Some chairs are fixed to the floor.
- Tables are not permanently fixed to the floor.
- The distance between the floor and the underside of the lowest table is 72cm.
- The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest table is 76cm.
- Music is played everywhere.
- There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- Lighting levels are good.
- There is a/are hand sanitiser(s) in this area.
- The height of the hand sanitisers range between 100cm and 123cm.
Changing Places
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Location and Access
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- The facility is located at the rear right of the service station.
- The facility is approximately 27m from the accessible entrance.
- The facility is in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
- The facility is located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
- There is level access into the facility.
- The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
- The contrast between the external door(s) and wall(s) is good.
- The contrast between the internal door(s) and wall(s) is good.
- You do need a key for the facility.
- The key is a radar key.
- The key can be obtained from The WHSmith Reception.
- There is a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
- The door(s) open(s) outwards.
- The door(s) is/are easy to open.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The width of the door opening is 96cm.
- The dimensions of the facility are 343cm x 368cm.
- The ceiling height is at a minimum of 2.4m.
- There is a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
- The facility has a non-slip floor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
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Toilet Details
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- The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
- The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 156cm.
- The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 131cm.
- Dropdown rails are provided.
- As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is fair.
- As you face the toilet there are vertical grab rails on both sides.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm.
- There is a spatula flush.
- There is not a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- The toilet seat contrast is good.
- There is an emergency pull cord alarm for the toilet.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
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Changing Bench and Hoist Details
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- The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
- The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
- The length of the facility changing bench is 185cm.
- The facility hoist is powered overhead.
- The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
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Shower Details
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- There is not a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
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Other Facilities
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- A privacy screen is available.
- The type of wash basin is adjustable.
- The wash basin tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
- As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- The contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The wall fixed soap dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- The height of the wall fixed soap dispenser is 119cm.
- Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- The height of the hand dryer is 91cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is a shelf next to the toilet.
- The shelf does not have the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
- The shelf is at a height of 95cm.
- The shelf is located where it is reachable.
- There is a/are sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
- There is not an emergency pull cord alarm for the facility.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- The coat hooks are 102cm and 154cm from the floor.
- There is not a hand sanitiser.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
- The lighting is activated by a sensor.
Accessible Toilet (Left Door - Left Hand Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located ahead to the far right as you enter from the accessible entrance, just after WHSmith.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 27m from the accessible entrance.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The signage says 'Accessible Toilet and Baby Changing'.
- The contrast between the external door(s) and wall(s) is good.
- The door(s) open(s) outwards.
- The door(s) is/are easy to open.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm.
- The contrast between the internal door(s) and wall(s) is good.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door(s) is good.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 200cm.
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
- The lighting is activated by a sensor.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 75cm.
- The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- There is a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are sanitary, nappy/incontinence items bin, general waste (with lid) and pedal bin disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Additional Fixtures
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- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is not a colostomy bag shelf next to the toilet.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm.
- The toilet seat contrast is good.
- 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 116cm.
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
- The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The wall fixed soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the wall fixed soap dispenser is 88cm.
- 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 137cm.
- The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.
- There is not a hand sanitiser.
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Baby Changing Facilities
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- Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
- There is a flip down baby changing table available.
- The height of the baby changing table is 88cm.
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female and male toilets are located ahead to the far right as you enter from the accessible entrance, just after WHSmith.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The toilet(s) is/are approximately 32m from the accessible entrance.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet entrance.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 88cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 123cm.
Standard Shower
- The shower facilities are located in both the female and male standard toilets.
- The shower facilities are approximately 32m from the accessible entrance.
- There is step-free access to the shower facilities.
- A key is required for the shower facilities.
- The key can be obtained from WHSmith.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the shower door.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 79cm.
- The contrast between the external door(s) and wall(s) is good.
- The contrast between the internal door(s) and wall(s) is poor.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
- The lighting is activated by a sensor.
- The shower is ahead as you enter and has a small step to enter measuring 7cm in height and not well marked.
The shower push button to activate is 120cm in height.
There is a bench seat on the left as you enter to change. - There is one shower available in both the female and male standard toilets and they are the same specifications.
Emergency Evacuation Procedure
- There is an audio alarm for emergencies.
- Fire wardens/marshals are available on site.
- There is not a/are not internal refuge point(s).
- People exit the building using the fire exits or main entrance.
- There is an external emergency meeting point.
- The external emergency meeting point is located at the rear of the main car park as you exit from the main entrance.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
- The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower helps businesses support colleagues and customers with non-visible disabilities. It is a simple tool for someone to voluntarily share that they have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent and may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time. View more information about this venue on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website (opens new tab).