Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include a Sports Hall, Gym, Dance Studio, Climbing Wall, Café, Bowling Green, and a Swimming Pool.
Location
- The venue is situated within the centre of the town.
- This venue is situated in Stowmarket.
- The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
- There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- The nearest mainline station is Stowmarket.
Opening Times
- Monday Closed.
- Tuesday Closed.
- Wednesday Closed.
- Thursday Closed.
- Friday Closed.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
- Please click here for information on opening times.
Parking
- The venue does have its own car park.
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Venue Car Park
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- Parking is free for all users.
- The car park is located at the front of the venue.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot be booked in advance.
- There is/are 10 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 239cm x 480cm (7ft 10in x 15ft 9in).
- The nearest Blue Badge bay is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Main Entrance.
- The furthest Blue Badge bay is 30m (32yd 2ft) from the Main 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 not have a height restriction barrier.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
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Comments
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- There are 2 Blue Badge only EVCPs located in front of the entrance. The bays measure 230cm - 460cm. They are operated by EO. The plug in points are 110cm high. Access is via downloadable app or by scanning code. Supply offered is 7kw.
- There is also on street standard parking available along Gainsborough Road.
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 venue.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped 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 152cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 154cm.
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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.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 180cm (5ft 11in).
- 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 of the entrance.
- There is/are 6 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
- 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 not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- There is a second lower handrail.
Outside Access (Rear Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the venue.
- 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) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 90cm.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
Reception
- The desk/counter is 5m (5yd 1ft) 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 good.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is 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 05/06/2023.
- The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
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Comments
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- The accessible gate to the right of the reception is 98cm wide and opens both ways.
- The turnstiles to the left of the reception are 50cm wide.
- Turnstiles are opened via membership card or by staff member.
Inside Access
- There is level access to the service(s).
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 05/06/2023.
- The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.
- This venue does play background music.
- Music is played within the Fitness Suite and Swimming Pool.
- Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are good.
Level Change (Café Slope)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located between the corridor and the Café.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is not 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 119cm (3ft 11in).
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Comments
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- The gap at the top of the slope is 118cm wide.
Eating and Drinking
- The following information is for the café.
- The café is located to the left as you enter and at end of the corridor.
- 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.
- Some chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the top of the Café slope.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 45cm (1ft 6in).
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 76cm (2ft 6in).
- The standard height for tables is 76cm.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Takeaway cutlery is available.
- Drinking straws are 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.
Swimming Pool
- There is level access from the changing area to the swimming pool.
- There is not a ramped entrance into the water.
- There is a wet side chair available.
- There is a hoist for wheelchair users to access the water.
- The hoist is hydraulic.
- There are steps into the swimming pool.
- There are 4 steps.
- The steps do have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
- There is a ladder type entrance into the water.
- There is a handrail on both sides of the ladder.
Level Change (Fitness Suite - Gym)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located after the door that is to the left of Fitness Suite Entrance.
- 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 162cm (5ft 4in).
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located between the upper and lower area of the Fitness Suite.
- There is/are 4 step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Comments
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- The doors to the left of the Fitness Suite entrance are push away from you.
- The doors are double with an opening width of 194cm.
Fitness Suite (Gym)
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Access to Fitness Suite
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- The fitness suite is located to the left as you enter and at end the of the corridor.
- The fitness suite is 45m (49yd 8in) from the Main Entrance.
- There is step free access to the fitness suite.
- There are doors into the fitness suite.
- The doors open automatically.
- The doors are single.
- The opening is 93cm wide.
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IFI Accredited Fitness Suite
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- No staff have received IFI Mark standard Disability Equality Training.
- IFI accredited equipment is not available.
- A portable hearing assistance system is not available for induction.
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Fitness Suite (General)
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- Staff receive no training in assisting disabled people.
- A portable hearing assistance system is not available for induction.
- There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
- There is not level access to all of the equipment.
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Comments
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- The turnstiles to the right of the entrance are 50cm wide.
- There is an emergency disabled refuge area in the right hand corner furthest from the Gym entrance.
Other Floors
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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.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the left as you enter to the right of gym entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
- Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
- The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Main Entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
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Comments
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- This lift was out of order at time of the survey (20/01/2022).
Changing Places
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Location and Access
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- The facility is located to the right as you enter and at the end of the corridor.
- The facility is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the Main Entrance.
- The facility is in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
- The facility is not located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
- There is level access to the facility.
- The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is a high colour contrast between the external door and wall .
- There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- You do need a key for the facility.
- The key is a radar key.
- The key can be obtained from the reception.
- There is not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
- The door opens inwards.
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
- The width of the door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the facility are 436cm x 274cm.
- 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.
- There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
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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 80cm (2ft 7in).
- The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 230cm (7ft 7in).
- Dropdown rails are provided.
- As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
- There is a high colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- As you face the toilet there are vertical grab rails on both sides.
- There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall .
- There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 50cm (1ft 8in).
- There is an elbow pad flush.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 56cm.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- There is a low colour contrast between the toilet seat and pan.
- There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
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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 188cm (6ft 2in).
- 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 a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
- The shower head is height adjustable.
- The adjustable shower head cannot be placed between 105cm and 185cm when mounted.
- A shower chair is available.
- The seat/chair is not height adjustable.
- The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 47cm (1ft 7in).
- There are not horizontal and/or dropdown rails available on both sides of the shower seat.
- There is a vertical grab rail for the shower.
- There is a low colour contrast between the vertical grab rail(s) for the shower and wall.
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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.
- There is a high colour contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
- Wide tear off paper roll is available.
- The wide paper roll dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 95cm.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- The height of the hand dryer is 100cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is a/are non-infectious waste disposal units.
- There is an emergency alarm for the facility.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
- There is a coat hook.
- There are coat hooks in the toilet at 104cm and 164cm from the floor.
- There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- The lighting levels are good.
Accessible Changing Room (Swimming Pool - Left Hand Transfer)
- There are accessible changing rooms available.
- The accessible changing room is located to the left as you enter the changing area.
- The facility is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Main Entrance.
- The door opens outwards.
- The width of the door is 75cm (2ft 6in).
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The dimensions of the accessible changing room are 226cm x 287cm (7ft 5in x 9ft 5in).
- The toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 156cm (5ft 1in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is not a flush on the transfer side.
- Wall mounted rails are available.
- The toilet seat is 47cm (1ft 7in) above floor level.
- There is a sink.
- The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the sink is 72cm (2ft 4in).
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm in the cubicle.
- The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- There is not a locker within the accessible changing room.
- There is a changing bench.
- The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
- The facility changing bench height is fixed.
- The length of the bench is 180cm (5ft 11in).
- There is a wheel in shower.
- The facilities available in the accessible shower are an adjustable shower head, handrails, a shower chair and a flip-down seat.
- The height of the seat is 51cm (1ft 8in).
Accessible Changing Room (Gym - Right Hand Transfer)
- There are accessible changing rooms available.
- The accessible changing room is located opposite the Fitness Suite Entrance.
- The facility is 50m (54yd 2ft) from the Main Entrance.
- The door opens outwards.
- The width of the door is 77cm (2ft 6in).
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The dimensions of the accessible changing room are 286cm x 310cm (9ft 5in x 10ft 2in).
- The toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 245cm (8ft).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- Wall mounted rails are available.
- The toilet seat is 48cm (1ft 7in) above floor level.
- There is a sink.
- The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the sink is 70cm (2ft 4in).
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm in the cubicle.
- The emergency alarm is fully functional.
- There is a locker within the accessible changing room.
- The locker is within reach for a wheelchair user.
- There is not a changing bench.
- There is a wheel in shower.
- The facilities available in the accessible shower are an adjustable shower head, handrails and a flip-down seat.
- The height of the seat is 55cm (1ft 10in).
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Comments
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- A flip down, dry chair is available. The height of dry side chair is 59cm.
Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand 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 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Main Entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located in front as you enter and behind the 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 not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens inwards.
- The door is not push pad activated.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 158cm x 340cm (5ft 2in x 11ft 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency 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 and non-infectious waste disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- There are coat hooks in the toilet at 103cm and 164cm 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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is 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 cannot 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
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- 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 good.
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Baby Change Facilities
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- 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 91cm (2ft 12in).
Standard Changing Room (Swimming Pool)
- There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Main Entrance.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the reception desk.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Swimming Pool.
- The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located to the right of the reception.
- There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
- Shower facilities are available within the changing room(s).
- There is level access to the shower facilities.
Standard Toilet(s)
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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 along the corridor that is behind the reception.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 15m (16yd 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.
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Baby Change Facilities
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- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located within the unisex changing room.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 82cm (2ft 8in).
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
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Comments
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- There are only ambulant toilets available within the Swimming Pool Changing Area rooms.
Standard Changing Room (Gym)
- There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 50m (54yd 2ft) from the Main Entrance.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the reception desk.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Sports Hall.
- The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located opposite the Fitness Suite Entrance.
- There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
- Shower facilities are available within the changing room(s).
- There is level access to the shower facilities.
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 cannot be requested.
- Home visits / services are not available.