Police Station lift not fit for purpose, says wheelchair user
A WHEELCHAIR user has branded Guernsey Police Station’s public lift as difficult to use and dangerous, due to its poor design.
Steven Wall has been in a wheelchair for a few years and said he was shocked by the poor access at the police station.
‘Basically, it’s useless,’ he said.
‘There’s all kinds of problems. It’s potentially very dangerous. This is a public building, and you can’t get into it. It’s daft. There should be easy, equal access.’
Property Services head of estates strategy Mark Ogier said they were looking at ways of improving the access.
The lift is positioned next to the main steps up to the police station reception.
Wheelchair users have to first cross the uneven cobbles of the car park to reach it. Once there, there are heavy glass doors that have to be pulled open to access it.
Mr Wall said he had strong arms, yet he could not open them from his wheelchair on the uneven surface.
He said the doors should be automated.
The entrance to the lift is very narrow and the floor of the lift is not level with the floor, meaning it is difficult for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre into it without help.
Mr Ogier said a lift was first installed at the Police Station for wheelchair users in 2003.
‘More recently, in December 2018, we installed a new platform mechanism within the existing original enclosure, following advice from a specialist lift consultant,’ he said.
‘We are aware of the issues that have been highlighted and we are investigating measures to improve the usability of the lift.’
A Bailiwick Law Enforcement spokesman said they were working closely with States Property Services to enhance accessibility both to and within the station.
‘We invited Mr Wall in to review recent changes made so his feedback could be relayed to States Property Services, and will continue to liaise with both to resolve these issues,’ he said.
Mr Wall said improvements should be made.
‘It’s got to be accessible,’ he said.
‘It’s a no brainer.
‘If you can’t get into the Police Station, what are you supposed to do? This lift is not fit for purpose. They need to re-design the whole thing.’
