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Wirral Country Park and Visitor Centre

Station Road, Thurstaston, Wirral, CH61 0HN

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Access Guide

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Overview

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located to the left of the café counter, on the right hand side of the corridor.
    • The toilet with adaptations has a right hand transfer space.
    • The male step-free toilet facilities are located to the left of the café counter, on the right hand side of the corridor.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • The Changing Places toilet facilities are located to the left of the café counter, on the right hand side of the corridor.
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilet with adaptations.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the right of the path leading to the visitor centre.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 300cm (width) x 480cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 118cm.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • The nearest designated bay is 150m from the visitor centre.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has uneven surfaces and slight ramps or slopes.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
    • Payment machines are located at the entrance to the car park.
    • There is a payment machine with controls at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • There is not a level manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user in front of the payment machine (185cm x 210cm).
    • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Access Point (from Car Park)

  • This access point is located beyond the Blue Badge bays in the car park.
  • The approach to the access point has uneven surfaces.
  • The access point is clearly signed.
  • There is ramped and stepped access.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
  • The ramp bypasses the steps.
  • There are 6 steps with a central handrail.
  • The handrail is not easy to grip.
  • The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrail does not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The steps are unmarked.
  • The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 7cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • The access to the country park and visitor centre is via what used to be a train platform.
  • There is an open gap.
  • The width of the opening is 135cm.
  • There is step-free access via slope as you enter.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.

Access Point (Station Road)

  • This access point is located in Station Road.
  • The approach to the access point has uneven surfaces.
  • The access point is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access.
  • There is an open gap.
  • The width of the opening is 88cm.

Entrance (Visitor Centre - Main)

  • This entrance is located to the right side of the visitor centre.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via slope at the entrance.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
  • The door opens by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 112cm.
  • The door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Eating and Drinking (Whistle Stop Café)

  • Location and Access View
    • The Whistle Stop Café is located within the visitor centre.
    • The most accessible route has a slight ramp or slope.
    • There is step-free access via ramp into this area.
    • The ramp has a slight gradient.
    • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
    • There is a single manual door with a low visual contrast.
    • The door opens by sliding.
    • The width of the opening is 112cm.
    • The most accessible entrance is the main entrance.
  • Service View
    • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered, staff who can provide assistance with ordering and numerous seating options.
    • Full table service is not available.
    • Menus are handheld, wall-mounted and available on a board.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, vegetarian and vegan.
    • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The service counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located to the left of the café entrance.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 88cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the external seating area.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
    • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There is background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
    • The café can also be accessed via the main entrance.

Room (Wildlife Garden - Viewing Area)

  • The room is located ahead from the visitor centre main entrance.
  • The distance from the visitor centre main entrance is 12m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 80cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: benches.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: long tables.
  • Some tables are fixed.
  • The surface heights are not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of some surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

Room (Theatre)

  • The room is located to the right of the café entrance.
  • The distance from the café entrance is 3m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free access via ramp into the room.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
  • The ramp bypasses the steps.
  • There are 2 steps with no handrails.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • The ramp and steps are beyond the theatre entrance.
  • There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 142cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: All of the room is accessible via either ramp or steps. The room is accessible via either ramp or steps.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
  • The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Outdoor Spaces

  • The following is available in this area: a grassed play area, parkland, woodland and open countryside.
  • Additional facilities in this area include: paths and trails, picnic benches, and a BBQ and picnic area.
  • Outdoor areas consist of concrete or tarmac, gravel and decking.
  • There are footpaths throughout.
  • The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: some of the grassed play area (steep gradient).
  • There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • The paths have uneven surfaces.
  • The uneven surfaces are along the woodland paths.

Changing Places (Transfer Both Sides)

  • Location and Access View
    • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located to the left of the café counter, on the right hand side of the corridor.
    • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 32m.
    • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • A RADAR key is required for access to this facility.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 97cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium visual contrast.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 367cm (width) x 373cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
  • Toilet Details View
    • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet, however the right side is obstructed.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 81cm.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 249cm.
    • There is a spatula flush on the left transfer side.
    • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 47cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is located on the dropdown rail.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 88cm from the floor.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The changing bench is wall mounted and height adjustable.
    • The length of the changing bench is 186cm.
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are twist turn mixer.
    • There is no shower seat.
  • Other Facilities View
    • There is a fixed height wash basin.
    • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 105cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 118cm from the floor.
    • A wide paper roll dispenser is available.
    • The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 116cm.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 109cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is a shelf, however there is an obstruction in front of it.
    • The shelf meets the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The facility has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 107cm and 155cm from the floor.
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the left of the café counter, on the right hand side of the corridor.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 35m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm.
    • The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 138cm (width) x 141cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 61cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 43cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 99cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 65cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • There are no vertical grab rails at the wash basin.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 95cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 125cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 86cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm but it was tied up at the time of the survey.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 103cm from the floor.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 80cm.
    • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.