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Leighton Buzzard High Street Guide

High Street, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 1DN

Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Comments View
    • Leighton Buzzard is a town in Bedfordshire near the Chiltern Hill and lies between Luton and Milton Keynes. Leighton Buzzard adjoins Linslade.
    • The High Street runs between Church Square and Market Square (west to east).
    • The length of the route is approximately 0.3miles (480m) in length.
    • 1. Junction - High Street and Church Square.
    • 2. Church Square to High Street Mews.
    • 3. Junction - High Street and High Street Mews.
    • 4. High Street Mews to Market Square.
    • 5. Junction - Market Square and High Street.

Getting Here

  • By Car:
  • Leighton Buzzard is located approximately 1.5 miles from the A4146/A505 for links to Luton, Milton Keynes, Tring, Dunstable and Houghton Regis using West Street, Leston Road and A4012 Billington Road.
  • The High Street is in the town centre and runs from west to east. At the west end it joins onto Church Square and at the east end it joins onto Market Square.
  • Parking:
  • There is on-street standard parking and Blue Badge parking available throughout the High Street.
  • There is a long stay car park available in West Street nearby called West Street Multi Storey Car Park.
  • By Bus:
  • There are several bus stops in High Street with services to Central Milton Keynes, Tilsworth, Aylesbury, Linslade and Luton. For more information on Arriva Beds and Bucks please click here
  • By Train:
  • Leighton Buzzard Station is 0.8 miles away (approximately 15 minutes walk) from the High Street using Bridge Street, Leighton Road, New Road and Station Road.
  • There is step free access to all platforms via lifts at this station. There is a taxi rank outside the station.
  • This station provides direct trains to Milton Keynes, Bletchley, Birmingham, Coventry and London Euston.
  • There are two train operators using this station and they are Southern Railway and West Midlands Railway. For more information on Southern Railway please click here
  • For more information on West Midlands Railways please click here.

Parking

  • There is Blue Badge on street parking available throughout the High Street with no time limits.
  • There is standard on street parking available throughout the High Street with a limited stay of 30 minutes with no return within 2 hours.
  • There is a long stay multi-storey car park available in West Street, approximately 90m. This car park has several Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • Photographs 1, 2, 3 and 4 show the on street Blue Badge and standard parking on the High Street by Boots Chemist and Poundland.
  • Photographs 6 and 7 show the Blue Badge parking and standard parking on Church Square, close to the junction to the High Street.
  • Photographs 8, 9 and 10 show the parking at West Street Multi-storey car park in West Street.

1. Junction - High Street and Church Square

  • Church Square and the High Street meet next to Leighton Middle School on the west side of the High Street.
  • The pathways are block paving with some tarmac sections. There is an easy slope uphill towards Market Square via High Street and an easy downhill slope towards Church Square from the High Street.
  • There are dropped kerbs with tactile paving on both sides to cross the High Street, as shown in photograph 2.
  • There are dropped kerbs with tactile paving on both sides to cross Church Square, as shown in photographs 6 and 7.
  • The road surface is tarmac.

2. Church Square to High Street Mews

  • There are some bollards and some railings along this section which have a good colour contrast.
  • On both sides of the road the footpaths are over 250cm wide and in some parts widen to over 350cm.
  • The pathways are block paving and are on an easy slope uphill towards Market Square and an easy downhill slope towards Church Square with some uneven sections and some raised manhole covers throughout.
  • There are several seating areas in the form of benches available on both sides of the road.
  • There are some A boards, café seating, cycle racks and poles for road signs along the pathways on both sides.
  • There is a sheltered bus stop available next Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity Shop and another sheltered bus stop available next to the Oxfam Charity Shop.
  • There are several crossings along this section with tactile paving and dropped kerbs, as shown in photographs 11 and 13.
  • The road surface is tarmac.

3. Junction - High Street and High Street Mews

  • The High Street and High Street Mews meet next to Quarters Estate Agents and are opposite Costa Coffee, as shown in photographs 1 and 2.
  • The pathways are block paving in this area and level.
  • There are Blue Badge parking bays available at this junction next to Quarters Estate Agents and the High Street Mews entrance, as shown in photograph 3.
  • There are standard parking bays available opposite the High Street Mews entrance by Costa Coffee and WHSmith, as shown in photograph 4.
  • The pathway is block paving and on an easy slope uphill towards Market Square and an easy downhill slope towards Church Square with some uneven sections and raised manhole covers.
  • The road surface is tarmac.

4. High Street Mews to Market Square

  • There are some bollards along this section which have a good colour contrast.
  • On both sides of the road the footpaths are over 250cm wide.
  • The pathways are block paving and on an easy slope uphill towards Market Square and an easy downhill slope towards Church Square with some uneven sections and some raised manhole covers throughout.
  • There is some seating areas in the form of benches available on both sides of the road.
  • There are some A boards, café seating, cycle racks and poles for road signs along the pathways on both sides.
  • There is standard parking and some Blue Badge parking throughout this section on both sides of the road.
  • There are a few crossings along this section with tactile paving and dropped kerbs on both sides, as shown in photographs 6 and 12.
  • The road surface is tarmac.

5. Junction - Market Square and High Street

  • Market Square and the High Street meet and merge next to Barclays Bank and Lloyds Bank on the east side of the High Street.
  • The pathways are block paving and on an easy slope uphill towards Market Square and an easy downhill slope towards Church Square with some uneven sections and some raised manhole covers throughout.
  • The footpaths are over 250cm wide.
  • There are dropped kerbs with tactile paving on both sides to cross the High Street, as shown in photographs 1 and 2.
  • There are several benches available at this junction close to the crossing on the same side as Lloyds Bank.
  • The road surface is tarmac.

Public Toilets

  • There are no public toilets available along the High Street.
  • There are several restaurants and cafés with toilet facilities available on the High Street for paying customers.
  • Town Centre public toilets are located at the multi storey car park in Waterborne Walk. In the foyer of the car park is an accessible toilet facility. However, there is not 24 hour access to this.
    At the rear of the car park is an accessible toilet accessed by Radar Key. This is currently closed.
  • A Changing Place Facility is located in Parsons Close recreation ground.

Toilet with Adaptations (West Street Multi Storey Car Park - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the car park pedestrian exit.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the car park next to the lift.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a cleaning operative.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 280cm x 171cm (9ft 2in x 5ft 7in).
    • 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 209cm (6ft 10in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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).
    • The height of the coat hook is 118cm from the floor.
  • 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 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 can 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 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.

Standard Toilet(s) (West Street Multi Storey Car Park)

  • 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 in the car park foyer.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the car park entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a lowered sink which is 60cm high.
    • The Baby Change facility is 89cm high.

Parent and Baby Room (West Street Multi Storey Car Park)

  • There is a parent and baby room for public use.
  • The parent and baby room is located in the car park foyer.
  • The parent and baby room is approximately 5m from the car park 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 and written text 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 96cm (3ft 2in).
  • 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 75cm.
  • The wash basin tap type is sensor.
  • 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.

Changing Places (Parsons Close Recreation Ground)

  • Location and Access View
    • The facility is located within Parsons Close Recreation Ground.
    • 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.
    • 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 outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The width of the door is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 300cm x 420cm.
    • 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.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • Dropdown rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a medium colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • There are no vertical grab rails for the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a spatula flush.
    • There is not a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet has a lid obstructing the back rest/cistern/wall.
    • There is a high 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).
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 180cm (5ft 11in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The adjustable shower head can be placed between 105cm and 185cm when mounted.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • There are not horizontal and/or dropdown rails available on both sides of the shower seat.
    • There is not a vertical grab rail for the shower.
  • Other Facilities View
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • The type of wash basin is fixed.
    • The height of the wash basin is 78cm.
    • 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 not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 98cm.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
    • The wide paper roll dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 143cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 110cm.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a/are general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not an emergency alarm for the facility.
    • There is a coat hook.
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 110cm and 140cm from the floor.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.

Access Guides Available For (Leighton Buzzard)