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Staplehurst Access Group.
Bringing awareness to the problems people have around Staplehurst, from wheelchair users to mums with prams and to our older friends and relatives.
I have unfortunately got first hand experience around our village, due to an accident I had in the Caribbean where I broke my neck diving in Dec 2006.. you can read my story @
www.alexwillwalkagain.com ___________________________________________
One major yet very easily resolved access problem around the village is people parking their cars half on and off the pavements - especially just opposite the parade.. please park properly.
These tickets can now be obtained from
PC Gardner or the office at Sobell Lodge
If someone is causing an obstruction, anti social parking, take a photo and end it to Ron Hegarty the local paper editor.
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This ticket will be available to print out soon for any "problem parkers" to bring to their attention the problems they are creating.. The big problem here (as shown in photo) cars parked blocking pathway from Sobell Lodge to the parade of shops in the village - the main problem being outside Central Garage in the High Street.
Over the hill
I now have an all terrain wheelchair, this has allowed me to "walk" my dog on my own, (i am still restricted by styles throughout the village.. but these i can accept) one route i can take is around the Cricket club grounds.. but again just over the hill from the church (Cranbrook bound) there is yet another problem spot for pavement parkers! even if your not close to someone in a wheelchair.. we all have family members... we all have elderly relatives, how many of you want your nearest and dearest stepping out into the path of traffic to avoid your car, just to save you five minutes finding a proper car park space? down this same stretch of road (leading up to the church) its impossible to avoid entering the very busy A229 to pass by either the Bell pub or on the side of the church due to steps, the other route could be via South Bank/Bell lane.. but again this way is hard to pass without being forced to enter the road to avoid cars parked on pavements.
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Extracts from the minutes of the Staplehurst Access Group meeting on 3rd July at Sobell Lodge.
Access to church
The access to and from church is dire for those in wheelchairs. It is felt that the entrance to the church is too steep and when leaving, wheelchair users are put at risk of rolling into the very busy A229. One of our councillors is looking into the possibility of gaining access to the church by way of a pathway between the butchers and Crown Cottages. Permission is needed for this, if granted the problem can be resolved and the parish council
might be able to raise grant funding for relaying pathway.
Another more obvious route from Chapel Lane via the length of the footpath would need a considerable amount of money to relay the footpath as it is hardly suitable for some pedestrians and wheelchair access at the present time is impossible. This is in spite of the fact that it is a public footpath. Which beggers the question-do wheelchair users qualify as pedestrians?
The Bell Public house, the Kings Head public house and the Zen Wok chinese take away
Here again, wheelchair users would like to use either pub or chinese (the Kings Head is far easier to use as the Bell has steps throughout and has the same incline leading up to the entrance as the church) it's a nightmare getting there, the route from the Sobell home leads up to some steep steps by Lambert and Foster estate agents, the only option is to go into the busy A229 again on a blind incline (the speed limit is 30mph but few people stick to this) very frightening to all concerned.
Martins Newsagents
The access is good, but through the isles there are boxes stacked up blocking most of the shop. The manager is very apologetic that its so difficult and has applied to his head office for an extention out the back to rectify this problem.
Wine Shop
The access here is difficult due to the step at the entrance, our local councillor has offered to talk through this problem.
Parish Rooms
At the entrance again two steep steps and poor lighting are making it difficult to gain access.
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The SAG monthly meeting is held at Sobell lodge (behind the old school) its open to everyone, on the first Friday of the month at 11.00am, join us for a coffee and a chat.
Extracts from the minutes of the Staplehurst Access Group meeting on 7th August at Sobell Lodge.
Parking on pavements
The leaflets are currently being chased up and will soon be readly available to print.
Survey RE Access in Staplehurst
The forms needed in order to carry out a survey in Staplehurst regarding access are also being followed up. A day will be arranged when SAG can go around Staplehurst collecting infomation, anyone with any problems that need addressing please come forward.
Pathway to church
Still ongoing, checking out suitability.
Logo for SAG
Still to be agreed.
Disabled parking bay
It has been noted that the disabled parking bay outside Martins Newsagents needs painting, this is being looked at.
Sustainable Communities Act
There may be a way of getting various crossings through the village, again this is being followed up.
Disabled parking space outside united reformed church
This space has now been made official and will soon have the yellow sign put up making it a legal space.
Train station crossing
The new disabled lift should be open within the next four weeks, (this doesn't help me tomorrow, i'm going to London, i can leave Staplehurst but have to return to Headcorn and then get a lift back due to steps) but this problem like any can be resolved by atending the SAG meeting open to anyone.
_______________________________________Please note that the next SAG meeting will be held on the 9th October, and will continue on a two monthly basis, it will still be held at 10:30am at Sobell lodge South Lodge, everyone is welcome.
NOW OPEN (although a little late...)
Staplehurst railway is now wheelchair (and heavy bag) friendly!
until January it has limited opening times - from 7am-6pm
in January the lifts will work around the clock (24hrs)
So things do change with time...
Although at the moment, due to staffing and the "possble" problem of vandal's the lifts are still shutting at 6pm! which does cause a big problem STILL when you return!!
Matters arising from last Minutes - SAG meetings are now held every 2 months, still at Sobell Lodge.
Next meeting date to follow, open to all
PARKING ON PAVEMENTS
In spite of our
efforts to inform the public about parking on pavements in Staplehurst,
unfortunately, the problem is still an issue. We can leave the leaflet
explaining why this parking causes problems for those in wheelchairs and those
with pushchairs, under the offender’s windscreen wipers, these can be obtained
from either PC Garder or the office of Sobell Lodge. It was suggested that if
someone’s is causing an obstruction, anti social parking, take a photo of the
car on the pavement and send it to Ron Hegarty the local paper editor.
The Garage in the
centre of Staplehurst where the problem is troublesome, is apparently hoping to
move to more suitable premises.
SURVEY RE:
ACCESS IN STAPLEHURST
This is
still to be arranged
PATHWAY TO
CHURCH
It was suggested
that perhaps fund raising in some way could be done to provide funding for an
accessible pathway to the church.
SPAR
For some
while now, the ramp has disappeared from the entrance of Spar, making it very
difficult for wheelchair users, pushchairs and even trolleys. I have spoken to
them and have been told that they are waiting for the ramp to be painted. It
was taken away because someone fell. As yet, the ramp has not reappeared.
TESCO
Cllr.
Spearink informed us that the Tesco project is now to be built on the site of
the existing station card park and extending to the unmade road part towards
Marden. The Station car park is proposed to be moved to the other side of the
rail to George Street. There is also a proposal for a full extension to Lodge
Road Industrial Estate and the Parish Council is opposing this solely because
of increased traffic.
Tesco are
expected to pay for traffic control if all goes ahead.
Cllr.
Spearink has suggested that we ask to have a donation pot put at the new Tesco,
similar to the idea used by Waitrose (tokens for bags).
CROSSING
Traffic
lights to be improved. Longer time for people to cross. Also, highways have
been informed that there is a need for a pedestrian crossing outside the
Railway Tavern.
HIGHWAYS
Steve Muir
pointed out that the roads and pavements in and about Staplehurst have become
very dangerous and extremely uncomfortable for those in wheelchair vehicles. If
there are pot holes or uneven paths or roads, it was suggested to take pictures
and send the Highways Department in Maidstone.
ANY OTHER
BUSINESS
It is with
regret that the Chairman, Pam Harding, is to stand down and asked for someone
to take on the role.
Steve Muir
kindly volunteered and Tony Wright seconded the motion. I would like to wish
Steve every success in helping to make this group a success.
Also Ian
Thomas has requested that he wants to resign from the committee but has asked
if there is someone who would be willing to give a talk about S.A.G one Sunday
morning at the Church. Anyone willing please let him know.
Introducing Leonard Cheshire Disability
Attached is a report from an accreditation visit to Sobell Lodge LINK
Leonard Cheshire Disability exists to change attitudes to disability and to serve disabled people around the world. Our principal activity in the UK is the provision of services in support of disabled people in the widest context. These services include care homes, supported living, domiciliary support, day services, resource centres, rehabilitation, respite care, personal support and training and assistance for those looking for work.
We operate in all parts of the UK and are the largest voluntary sector provider of care and support services for disabled people. Please follow this link
www.LCDisability.co.uk to find out more...
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Also
http://www.cilk.org.uk for free confidential infomation and support for disabled people
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