A wheelchair user has criticised a £350,000 revamp of a York library which he said has “forgotten about the front door” – meaning he cannot enter the building.
David Hayes said he is unable to independently push himself over the lip at the Acomb Explore Library in his wheelchair as the lip is too steep.
The chief executive of Explore York, the independent charity that runs the city’s libraries and archives, apologised to Mr Hayes and said the issue would be reviewed.
City of York Council’s culture boss said the council was “sorry to hear a user had issues accessing the library recently” and "will work with Explore to rectify the situation and offer our apologies to Mr Hayes".
Mr Hayes, 69, who uses a wheelchair due to a knee deformity, praised the library’s staff and the recent work to make it accessible to wheelchair users, saying he could freely browse bookcases while inside.
But the former director of disability charity Scope who now works as an access consultant for LNER said the work at the library, completed earlier this year, has “forgotten about the front door”.
Speaking after a visit to Acomb Explore Library last Friday (June 12), Mr Hayes said: “I can’t physically get in – I tried six attempts to go over [the lip] and I can’t get in independently.”
Mr Hayes was with his partner who he said helped pushed him over the lip and into the library.
He said there was no disability attention bell to push to alert reception staff.
He added that reception staff had told him there is no portable ramp available or stored to help wheelchair users get over the lip at the entrance.
Mr Hayes said he was “very concerned to note that some wheelchair users can't get through the front door without assistance from staff or carer”.
Recommended reading:
- Acomb Explore set to reopen after £350,000 refurbishment
- Bollard in York city centre 'an accident waiting to happen'
Mr Hayes noted the £350,000 refurbishment of Acomb Explore Library and said: “Given the considerable costs of the major revamp that took many weeks something needs to be done as a matter of urgency.”
He added: “The current situation clearly has occurred because an independent wheelchair user in a non-powered chair has not tested the access as it was and then been involved in design of how it needs to be which is disappointing.”
Explore and council to address concerns, say bosses
Jenny Layfield, chief executive of Explore York Libraries and Archives, said: “We are grateful to Mr Hayes for bringing this matter to our attention. Explore is an independent charitable organisation committed to providing open, inclusive access for all.
“Although all our buildings undergo regular accessibility audits, this is an important reminder that every wheelchair user has individual needs. We regret that they were unable to enter Acomb Explore Library without assistance, and we offer our apologies.
“The recent refurbishment of Acomb Explore was shaped directly by residents’ feedback, reflecting our commitment to listening to and working with our community. We will use this opportunity to continue that dialogue and review the issue raised.
“We would also like to thank Mr Hayes for the positive comments about the Acomb Explore team, who work hard to ensure everyone feels welcome and included.”
Cllr Pete Kilbane, the council’s executive member for economy and culture, said: “We were sorry to hear a user had issues accessing the library recently.
“Since opening in 2008, lots of disabled residents have enjoyed the facilities Acomb Explore has to offer, including the changing places space.
“During the recent refurbishment, we understand that an independent access audit was completed and there were no recommendations regarding the main entrance.
“However if there is a barrier to access, we will work with Explore to rectify the situation and offer our apologies to Mr Hayes.”
Share