Forum identifies disabled-friendly businesses (From Craven Herald)

New scheme launched by West Craven Disability Forum

9:00am Friday 21st September 2012 in News

West Craven Disability Forum has launched a new scheme that identifies disabled-friendly businesses.

It allows business premises in and around Barnoldswick to display a disabled-friendly badge in their window if they meet certain criteria.

This includes having an access ramp to the premises, outside doorbell at wheelchair user height, good access around the inside of premises, friendly and helpful staff and a white line on the edge of the doorstep.

Pendle’s champion for the disabled, Coun Jennifer Purcell (Cons, Craven ward) said: “We’re trying to make Barnoldswick a more disabled- friendly town. For the past two years, this forum has been identifying obstacles that disabled people come across.”

So far, 14 businesses have been awarded a disabled badge. They include the Tourist Information Shop, Majestic Discounts, Bonjour Cards and Gifts, Rayner Opticians, Leap of Faith, RSVP, The Book Shop, Barnoldswick Post Office, House of Flowers, Marjorie’s Hairdressers, James Bontoft Optometrist, Harry Garlick, Fountain pub and Simply Wicked.

The forum has addressed other disability issues such as installation of new dropped kerbs, filling potholes, levelling pavements and putting Braille signs on public conveniences.

They are also hoping to address the problem of advertisement boards obstructing pavements.

And Coun Purcell said that the forum would like to see a disabled-friendly walk going into the countryside around Barnoldswick.

“It would be aimed at disabled tourists and locals,” said Coun Purcell.

Anyone with concerns about disability issues or who would like to sign up to the disabled friendly badge scheme should contact Coun Purcell on cllrjenniferpurcell@tiscali. co.uk