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The Cheshire West and Chester Forum Council Offices

Forum Shopping Centre, Northgate Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HS

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:30 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 08:30 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 08:30 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 08:30 - 17:00.
  • Friday 08:30 - 17:00.

Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the city.
  • The venue is in a pedestrian area.
  • This venue is situated in Chester.
  • The venue is situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest mainline station is Chester.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located within the Forum Shopping Centre.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main doors open automatically.
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door opening is 130cm (4ft 3in) wide.
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The doors open automatically.
    • The doors are double width.
    • The door opening is 147cm (4ft 10in) wide.

Reception (Chester Customer Service Centre)

  • The reception desk is 15m (16yd) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is low height.
  • Lighting levels are bright.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is infrared.
  • Staff are trained to use system.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Lighting levels are bright.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1-2-3.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting level is bright.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the left as you enter.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1-2-3.
  • The lift is 8m (26ft 3in) from main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 174cm x 99cm (5ft 9in x 3ft 3in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within reach for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift controls do have Braille markings.
  • The lift controls do have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is low.

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 42m (46yd) from the lift.
    • The accessible toilet is located on the second floor corridor.
    • There is level access to the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens sliding.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 199cm x 182cm (6ft 6in x 5ft 12in).
    • 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 124cm (4ft 1in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is not a mixer tap.
    • There is not a functional emergency alarm available.
    • It is out of reach (higher than 10cm (0ft 4in) from floor).
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a coat hook.
  • 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 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The hand dryer is 125cm (4ft 1in) high.
    • 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 can 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 external door and wall is poor.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the grab rails and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • Lighting levels are bright.

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 normally on duty.
  • This service can be requested.