Herefordshire develops a disability access guide

Herefordshire businesses are being asked to complete a brief questionnaire about how accessible their premises are. The information will be used to develop a countywide database to help both residents and visitors to the county.

Any businesses, charities or voluntary organisations with public access are to be included from banks and shops to hotels, restaurants, libraries, museums, village halls, parks and recreational areas.

The intention is to produce a free on-line guide early in the new year which is aimed at anyone with accessibility or mobility problems; whether they are visually impaired, a wheelchair user, someone who has difficulty walking or someone who has a serious illness.

Both Herefordshire residents and visitors to the area will be able to access the guide and benefit by finding out very quickly which venues are going to be able to accommodate them or where staff are trained to be able to help them with their specific access needs.

With hopes for the Blind Football tournament and elements of the Paralympic Games being held in and around the county, it is anticipated the number of visitors is likely to grow leading up to 2012 and beyond. The database will help people make informed choices about which buildings/shops to visit.

The guide isn't compulsory, but provides an opportunity for organisations to make people aware how accessible their venue or service is.

Steve Ashton, Herefordshire co-ordinator for the 2012 Games, says: "We appreciate that some premises are inaccessible due to their physical features such as steps to get in, narrow corridors and uneven floors. However, many businesses are able to deal with these sorts of issues by training staff to help or installing removable ramps for example."

"Organisations shouldn't be put off by what they haven't got, but be shouting about what they have got. It's a win-win situation: businesses can bring in new customers and customers know in advance what to be prepared for, improving the quality of their visit and overall experience."

To complete the audit, which is free, businesses are encouraged to visit http://www.myherefordshire.com/.