Chester super loo in ‘wrong place’, says disabled community

Feb 24 2011 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

Chester super loo in ‘wrong place’, says disabled community

DISABLED people have criticised plans to build on a blue badge holders’ car park which would also mean a new £250,000 toilet being in the wrong place.

They are upset at council proposals to build a market hall on Frodsham Street disabled car park because it is so centrally located for doing every day shopping at Tesco.

That would also mean nearby toilets, which are currently being redeveloped with extra facilities for people with disabilities, wouldn’t be in the best place if the disabled car park moves.

Dianne Preston, of Hoole, commenting on the market hall plans, said: “As usual the disabled are being pushed to one side.

“We are probably going to have to come from the outskirts of Chester to get in.”

She welcomes the ‘super loo’, but added: “If the car park stays here it will be fine but if not it will be useless to us unless you have got somebody who can push you round.”

Barry and Jeanette Clee, of Tarvin, say the current car park is in a good location being so central.

Cheshire West and Chester Council recently responded to complaints about potholes by resurfacing and relining the car park.

But Keith Roper of support service DIAL House can’t understand why the spaces closest to the Shopmobility scooter centre were allocated to contract parking instead of blue badge holders, given disabled people can’t walk far.

A council spokeswoman said the lay-out of the car park had not changed and added that no decision had been taken over the market hall.

She added: “We are looking at any disabled access or parking issues as part of the market plan.

“The refurbishment of the toilets demonstrates our commitment to city centre provision for disabled people.”