Accessibility Audit Reports Received
Accessibility Audit Reports Received
Accessibility audits of the streets network in our main CBD's is now complete, which will help us now with planning future works.
The audits look at how we can make our physical environments more accessible, especially for disabled people and the elderly. The audits were conducted by CCS Disability Action, a partner in our collaborative Disability Strategy, and Steve Taylor of Taylored Accessibility Solutions.
The audit process started last year in Thames as a pilot project. We were able to undertake a further five audits this year in Coromandel Town, Whitianga, Tairua, Pauanui and Whangamata thanks to the government's Social Development's Making a Difference Fund.
Meetings were held in each area
earlier this year with the public helping to identify issues
they face getting around.
The audit reports discuss
accessibility issues that have been identified and makes
recommendations for how they could be addressed. The
reports were broken down into three sections, serious safety
risks, significant concerns and minor concerns.
While the Council is under no obligation to carry out the recommended work, all the reports will help inform future work programmes and several Community Boards have already approved some funding to address issues identified as serious safety risks in their towns.
"We're really pleased to get onto doing some physical works that can help make getting around the towns easier for people," says Council Chief Executive David Hammond. "Having clear guidance from accessibility specialists will help inform future decisions." Further improvement work will be considered over the longer term.
To read the accessibility audit reports follow the link to the Community Board Agenda's (below) and select the report.
Read the accessibility report for Colville-Coromandel here.
Read the accessibility report for Mercury Bay here.
Read the accessibility report for Tairua-Pauanui here.
Read the accessibility report for Whangamata here.
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