You are on Introduction. Skip to the next section.

Introduction

• Services / facilities within the building include customer information centre, council chamber, meeting rooms, staff offices.

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• Comments View
  • The public are mainly seen on the ground floor of the building.
  • A member of the public attending a meeting on a upper floor would be accompanied by a member of staff using the lift.
  • There are stairs, but they are not in a public area.

You are on Opening Times (Reception). Skip to the next section.

Opening Times (Reception)

• Monday 08:00 - 17:15.
• Tuesday 08:00 - 17:15.
• Wednesday 08:00 - 17:15.
• Thursday 08:00 - 17:15.
• Friday 08:00 - 16:45.
• Saturday Closed.
• Sunday Closed.

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• Comments View
  • Public Counter Times for the Benefits Offices and Housing Options Services are Monday to Friday 09:00 till 16:30.

You are on Location. Skip to the next section.

Location

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

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

• The venue does not have its own car park.

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• Public Car Parks View
  • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
• On Street Blue Badge Parking View
  • On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
  • On street Blue Badge parking is located on the opposite side of New Road from the main entrance.
• On Street Standard Parking View
  • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop off point.
• Comments View
  • There is some on-street pay and display parking on the Sherfield Road bridge, about 150m from the main entrance.

You are on Outside Access (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building, on New Road.
• There is not level access into the venue.
• Main Entrance
• The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
• The door(s) is / are double.
• The width of the door opening is 135cm (4ft 5in).

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• Second set of doors View
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 130cm (4ft 3in).

You are on Level Change (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Main Entrance)

• There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
• The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
• 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.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

• The desk/counter is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
• There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
• The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
• The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
• The lighting levels are bright.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The type of system is a fixed loop.
• Staff are trained to use the system.
• There is a touch screen.
• The touch screen is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.

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• Comments View
  • There are touch screens for seated and standing users.
  • There is a waiting area in the foyer.
  • There are seats, including one seat with armrests.

You are on Counter (Information Centre). Skip to the next section.

Counter (Information Centre)

• There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
• There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The height of the counter is low (76cm or below).
• Lighting levels are bright.

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• Comments View
  • The Information Centre is the main point of contact between staff and the public.
  • There are more than 10 staffed desks in the information centre.
  • There are also private interview rooms.
  • Visitors are seen in turn by ticket.
  • There is an audio and visual announcement system, with high level screens in the waiting area.
  • There are also computer terminals for customer use.
  • Most of the seating at the information counters has armrests.
  • There is also seating, including some with armrests, in the waiting area.

You are on Inside Access. Skip to the next section.

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.
• This venue does not play background music.
• Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
• The lighting levels are varied.

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• Comments View
  • Doors on the main corridors are automatic, operated by sensor or push pad.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located off the corridor, to the right after the entrance foyer.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1-2.
• The lift is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 130cm x 150cm (4ft 3in x 4ft 11in).
• 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 have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting level in the lift is medium.

You are on Level Change (Council Chamber Public Gallery). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Council Chamber Public Gallery)

• There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
• The step(s) is/are located from the corridor to the right from the entrance foyer.
• There is/are 3 step(s) to the area/service.
• The lighting levels at the step(s) are low.
• There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
• The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
• The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
• There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

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• Comments View
  • These stairs give access to the rear of the tiered seating overlooking the council chamber.
  • For those unable to use the steps, there is level access from the corridor through the chamber to the designated seating area at the front of the public gallery.

You are on Accessible Toilet. Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet

• There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 45m (49yd 8in) from the main entrance.
  • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, off the corridor leading to the right off the entrance foyer.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a unisex toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is locked by a locking handle.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 94cm (3ft 1in).
  • The door is light.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 165cm x 225cm (5ft 5in 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 120cm (3ft 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 disposal units.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
  • 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 50cm (1ft 8in).
  • 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).
• 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 fair.
  • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are bright.

You are on Standard Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
• Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
  • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located off the corridor, leading to the right off the entrance foyer.
  • The female and male toilets are approximately 50m (54yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
• Baby Change Facilities View
  • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
  • Baby change facilities are located in the baby care room.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
• Comments View
  • There is a second, fixed baby change bench 100cm high in the same room.
  • There is a separate baby feeding room next to the baby changing room.
  • This room has seating with and without armrests.

You are on Additional Info. Skip to the next section.

Additional Info

• Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
• Documents can be requested in Braille.
• Documents can be requested in large print.
• A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
• A member of staff trained in BSL skills is normally on duty.
• Staff are trained to BSL level (unknown at time of research).
• Home visits / services are available.