Annual Report 2004/2005
Statement by the Chair
The Access groups journey through the years has been a determined effort to limit the impact lack of access has on our independence - see general policy clarifying access.
For the purpose of this year’s theme, I draw your attention as to whether Swindon Borough could be considered an island paradise or island hell in terms of access.
What impact does access have on new and existing developments within our communities? Do they support or severely disable us?
A series of questions arise in each community:
• How possible is it for us to use pedestrian links, wayfind our way?
• Can we visit our neighbours, family and friends, and if we arrive at their door can we enter?
• How easy is it to use the local post office, the supermarket, corner shop, takeaway, doctor’s surgery, dentist, or the pub?
• How easy is it to use the sport facilities? Can we use them or do we need to travel to other parts of the island?
• How easy is it to catch the bus, could we?
• If we get on the bus could we get off?
• How sure are we of arriving at our destination? Could we enter or would we be marooned outside?
• Can we leave our island and travel to other destinations?
• How accessible are our homes, what impact does that have on our lives to raise our families?
• How easy is it to gain employment?
• Does access restrict our options?
• How easy is it to participate in community life?
• Can our children go to school? Can we take them?
• Can we get to the church on Sunday?
• If the lack of services or facilities within our communities exists, what financial costs arise from little or no choice due to lack of access?
• How easy is communication and can we communicate in a diverse community?
• Within the heart of Swindon do we have choice and opportunity?
Do we honestly believe fairness for all exists?
Taking control of our future means being consulted and integral to the change.
Dream on paradise island, the campaign continues!
Swindon Access Action Group
Proposed Wording – Local Plan Review
General Policy
In order to achieve satisfactory access to new development and to new and existing open spaces and landscaped areas associated with them, planning applications will be required to demonstrate an inclusive design that has considered the needs of all sections of the community and improve equality of opportunity and access. Especially for disabled people and those who experience discrimination and/or other social and economic disadvantages.
Justification.
The key aim of the Swindon Local Plan is to create an inclusive community which meets the needs of everyone. Planning Policy Guidance Note 12: Development Plans, asks Council to look at social needs and problems and the impact of planning policies and proposals on different groups in the community. Councils should also consider the extent to which they can address issues of social inclusion through the planning system.
All development will be expected to provide full access to those with mobility and sensory difficulties. Each proposal will also be expected to provide appropriate facilities, such as lifts, changing facilities, accessible toilets and parking spaces to ensure that all new development, including change of use, can be enjoyed by all.
There will be very few cases where it is not practical or reasonable to design new buildings, extensions and their associated facilities to at lease the minimum accessible standards.
An environment which provides for safe and convenient access for people with a mobility impairment and carers is likely to benefit all users. The provision of gentle gradients, dropped kerbs, handrails, sufficient lighting and a clutter free arrangement of street furniture can go some way to improving these access requirements. The highway authority will aim to implement this policy in its programmes for highway and footpath maintenance.
Note: Policies will need to cover leisure facilities (changing rooms), retails shopping (changing rooms) hotels (1 in 20 bedrooms should be accessible) and housing (Lifetime Homes standard?).
Swindon Access Action Group
Receipts and Payments
For the year ending 31.3.05
Receipts
Payments
Balance @ 31.3.04
SBC Grant
76.30
1830.00
Books
Travel
Stationery
Equipment
Signer
Subscriptions
Photocopying
Postage
Refreshments
Room Hire
Telephone
Training
Bank Charges
Conferences
Balance c/f
74.91
189.58
70.86
79.15
848.31
117.50
18.00
32.61
24.00
73.38
62.10
220.00
60.00
20.00
15.90
1906.30
1906.30
Swindon Access Action Group
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 28th September 2004
PRESENT: Glenis Niven (Chair), Zena May, Brian Giles, Douglas Bennett, Kay Maldo, Elizabeth and Keih Tolley, Paul Burgess, Sharon Humphreys, Time French and Heather Carlisle
1. APOLOGIES
Apologies had been received from Margaret Ashley, Kris Jones, Simon Hggins, Joe Backshell and Gladys Slater.
2. CHAIR’S REPORT
Its been business as usual, as our title suggests. The never-ending story continues in respect of access. There are inications that it is difficult, as we near the October 2004 deadline, whether Swindon, despite vast opportunities for improving access within all new development and refurbishments will ever treat full accessibility as the norm.
The issue can be complex or simple, but the fact remains, discrimination exists within the fabric and thinking of society and, indeed Swindon Borough, or why else would it be so hard and take so long to gain not only access to but use of any buildings.
So once again, I urge members to consider whether they are prepared to continue facing such significant discrimination, or as individuals to call a halt. We should be prepared to name and shame – that is, I belive, the way forward.
3. TREASURER’S REPORT
Zena reported that at the Group started with £450.16 in the Bank, received £1988.00 and spent £2379.86, and with a cheque not cleared through the bank yet, this left us with £76.30 as at 31st March 2004.
Members asked if we had tried other sources to obtain money. Zena replied that it was difficult unless we had a project to hang it on. We had tried in the past with the Community Foundation and Zurich but had no luck – will not fund running expenses.
It was agreed that the Committee should look at changing banks because of the standing fee charged by the Portman but members believe that is now standard practice wherever we bank.
4. TO APPROVE AS CORRECT THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 24TH JUNE 2003.
Brian Giles proposed, seconded by Kay Malko that the minutes of the above meeting be taken as a true record. All agreed.
5. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE.
The following members were elected onto the Committee:
Paul Burgess, Kris Jones, Glenis Niven, Brian Giles, Simon Huggins and Zena May.
6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
a. Reported that there is a new scooter shop in Havelock Street.
b. Event, Faringdon Park 11th June 2005. Preliminary meeting to discuss the above being held at the County Ground on 10th October with Fran Pound from the Borough Council helping.
c. Free2Pee – 1st October. Concerned that this event sends out the wrong message, it should be the service as well, not whether there are accessible toilets. Does not help our cause. |
