Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include A children's and adult library, a café, museum exhibitions, study spaces and Council statutory services.
Location
- There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- The nearest National Rail station is Tunbridge Wells.
Opening Times
- Monday 09:00 - 18:00.
- Tuesday 09:00 - 18:00.
- Wednesday 09:00 - 18:00.
- Thursday 09:00 - 20:00.
- Friday 09:00 - 18:00.
- Saturday 09:00 - 17:00.
- Sunday 10:00 - 16:00.
Parking
- The venue does not have its own car park.
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Public Car Parks
View
- There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
- The name of the car park is Crescent Road Car Park.
- The car park is located on Crescent Road.
- There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
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On Street Blue Badge Parking
View
- On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
- On street Blue Badge parking is located outside the Town Hall, on Civic Way.
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On Street Standard Parking
View
- Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
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Drop-off Point
View
- There is not a designated drop off point.
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Comments
View
- The Blue Badge bays on Civic Way are 230cm wide.
- The length of the bays is not marked.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 127cm (4ft 2in).
- The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 146cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 154cm.
Outside Access (Monson Road Entrance)
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Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located on the left side of the building.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- 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 double width.
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Ramp/Slope
View
- The ramp/slope is located to the left of the Monson Road 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 a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step(s)
View
- The step(s) is/are located to the right of the Monson Road entrance.
- There is/are 4 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 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 not 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.
Outside Access (Courtyard Entrance)
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Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
- 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 single width.
- The width of the door opening is 86cm.
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Ramp/Slope
View
- The ramp/slope is located to the left of the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is not 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 both sides.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step(s)
View
- The step(s) is/are located before the entrance.
- There is/are 2 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
- The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 13cm.
- 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.
Counter (Reception)
- The counter is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
- There is not a bell to attract attention.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- The height of the counter is 97cm (3ft 2in).
- There is a lowered section.
- The height of the lowered section of the counter is 73cm.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a portable loop.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Comments
View
- There are multiple portable hearing loops available.
Counter (Help Point)
- The counter is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
- There is not a bell to attract attention.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- The height of the counter is 97cm (3ft 2in).
- There is not a lowered section.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a portable 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 31/05/2023.
- The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Comments
View
- There are multiple portable hearing loops available.
Inside Access
- There is 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 tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 31/05/2023.
- The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
- This venue does not play background music.
- Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Comments
View
- There is a variety of seating throughout the building.
Level Change (To Children's Library and Café)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located to the left from the main entrance, leading to the Children's Library and the Café.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does not have handrails.
Level Change (To Look Behind the Scenes Exhibition Space)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located to the right from the main entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- 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 149cm (4ft 11in).
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located to the right of the ramp.
- There is/are 3 step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
- The step(s) is/are not 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).
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 not have computers with accessible software.
- Auxiliary aids are not available for computer users.
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Comments
View
- The Children's Library is on the ground floor.
- The Adult Library is on the first floor.
- There are touchscreens for checking books in and out.
- The height of the touchscreen controls is between 102cm and 147cm.
TWBC Council Services Public Access PC
- Public access computers are available for use on the ground floor.
- The computer desks are to the right from the main entrance.
- The desk height is 72cm.
- Further computers for public use are available in the library spaces on the ground and first floors.
Museum
- Exhibits can be audio described.
- Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
- The availability of tactile signage does not depend on exhibition.
- Braille signage for exhibits is not available.
- The availability of Braille signage does not depend on exhibition.
- Touch tours are available.
- The availability of touch tours does not depend on exhibition.
- Video tours are not available.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system is a portable loop.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
- A deposit is not required for the hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
- There is a wheelchair to borrow.
- To borrow the wheelchair, ask at the reception or help point counter.
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Comments
View
- There are museum exhibition spaces on the ground and first floors.
- The height of the controls for the interactive display (shown in photograph 8) are between 81cm and 90cm.
Eating and Drinking (Fine Grind)
- The following information is for the café.
- The café is located on the ground floor, to the left from the main entrance.
- 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.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- The standard height for tables is 74cm.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
- Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Menus are wall only.
- Menus are not clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- The type of food served here is host and cold drinks and snacks.
Lift (Main Entrance)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the right from the main entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
- Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
- There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on all floors.
- The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 127cm x 173cm (4ft 2in x 5ft 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 good.
Lift (Monson Road Entrance)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the right from the Monson Road entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1 and 2.
- Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
- The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Monson Road entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 89cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 104cm x 140cm (3ft 5in 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 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 good.
Lift (Platform Lift - To First Floor Library Seating Area)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located ahead from the main entrance lift.
- The lift is a platform lift.
- The platform lift accesses a small level change.
- The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance lift.
- 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 110cm x 147cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 10in).
- There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is good.
Other Floors (Main Entrance)
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Steps
View
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 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.
Level Change (To First Floor Library Seating Area)
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located at the far left of the first floor library.
- There is/are 4 step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
- The step(s) is/are not 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.
- There is a lift to access this area/service.
- The lift does bypass the step(s).
Parent and Baby Room (Ground Floor)
- There is a parent and baby room for public use.
- The parent and baby room is located to the left from the main entrance, through the door to the toilet area.
- The parent and baby room is approximately 15m 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 102cm (3ft 4in).
- 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 80cm.
- 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.
Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
View
- 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 to the left from the main entrance, through the door to the toilet area.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a shared 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 95cm (3ft 1in).
- The door is easy to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 147cm x 196cm (4ft 10in x 6ft 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 left.
- The lateral transfer space is 82cm (2ft 8in).
- 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).
- There are coat hooks in the toilet at 143cm and 171cm from the floor.
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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 a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf does not have the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
- The shelf is at a height of 51cm.
- The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
- 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 120cm (3ft 11in).
- 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).
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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.
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Comments
View
- The door to the toilet area is a single door which may be difficult to open.
- It opens away from you (push), and has an open width of 88cm.
Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor - Monson Road Entrance - Right Hand Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
View
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Monson Road entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located ahead from the Monson Road entrance, through the door to the toilet area on the left.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a shared 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 95cm (3ft 1in).
- The door is easy to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 155cm x 165cm (5ft 1in x 5ft 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 fully functional.
- 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 140cm and 169cm from the floor.
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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 a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
- The shelf is at a height of 150cm.
- The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
- 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 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 can 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
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 poor.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Comments
View
- The door to the toilet area is a single door which may be difficult to open.
- It opens away from you (push), and has an open width of 85cm.
Accessible Toilet (First Floor - Left Hand Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
View
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance lift.
- This accessible toilet is located to the left from the first floor lift, through the door to the toilet area.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a shared 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 96cm (3ft 2in).
- The door is easy to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 142cm x 224cm (4ft 8in x 7ft 4in).
- 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 70cm (2ft 4in).
- 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 144cm and 171cm from the floor.
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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 a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
- The shelf is at a height of 80cm.
- The shelf is located where it is reachable.
- 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 120cm (3ft 11in).
- 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).
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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.
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Comments
View
- The door to the toilet area is a single door which may be difficult to open.
- It opens away from you (push), and has an open width of 88cm.
Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
View
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s)
View
- The shared toilets that were surveyed are located to the left from the main entrance, through the door to the toilet area.
- The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
- Lighting levels in the shared toilets are good.
Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor - Monson Road Entrance)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
View
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s)
View
- The shared toilets that were surveyed are located ahead from the Monson Road entrance, through the door to the toilet area on the left.
- The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Monson Road entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
- Lighting levels in the shared toilets are good.
Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
View
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s)
View
- The shared toilets that were surveyed are located to the left from the first floor lift, through the door to the toilet area.
- The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance lift.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
- Lighting levels in the shared toilets are good.
Additional Info
- Documents are not available in Braille.
- Documents are not available in large print.
- A bowl of water cannot 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.