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Alston Observatory

Alston Hall, Longridge, Preston, Lancashire, PR3 3BP

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a planetarium/teaching room and an optics laboratory.
  • Services / facilities within the grounds include the MAT Building and the Wilfred Hall Observatory.

Location

  • The venue is situated outside the centre of the village.
  • This venue is situated in Grimsargh.
  • The venue is situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • The nearest mainline station is Preston.
  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is at the front of the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • There are 0 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • 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 loose chippings.
    • The patron does not have to cross a road.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is a moderate slope in front of the entrance.
  • The path leading to the entrance has a loose chippings surface.
  • The main doors open towards you (pull).
  • The doors are double width.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The door opening is 164cm (5ft 4in) wide.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.

Planetarium

  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit beside you.
  • It is 10m (11yd) from the designated seating area to the nearest adapted toilet.
  • This venue does not provide audio described performances.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is not a wheelchair to borrow.
  • Concessions are not available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
  • The planetarium does not contain fixed seating.

Accessible Toilet

  • There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
  • 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.
    • The accessible toilet is 10m (32ft 10in) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the right of the main entrance as you enter.
    • There is level access to the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 196cm x 238cm (6ft 5in x 7ft 10in).
    • Floor manoeuvring space is clear in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 not a functional emergency alarm available.
    • No emergency alarm fitted in the cubicle.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a coat hook.
    • The coat hook is within 120cm (3ft 11in) from floor level.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted 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 are mirrors in the accessible toilet.
    • 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 43cm (1ft 5in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 sink.
    • The sink cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The sink is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The sink is 76cm (2ft 6in) high.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the grab rails and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the drop down rails and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not generally on duty.
  • This service can be requested.
  • Staff are not Text Relay aware.