Local Access - Warwickshire Web

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	Local Access

	As part of the Warwickshire Market Towns Initiative, work in Southam and Coleshill, the issue of accessibility in and around town was identified as a high priority, especially in the light of the the Disability Discrimination Act (Part iii) - which came into force in October 2004.
	With nearly 80% of business premises failing to have level access in Southam, the legislation has proved to be a major challenge for local authorities and property owners to collectively resolve. A pilot Access Report in Southam considers both physical accessibility to properties, along with other pedestrian and traffic movement issues. It is hoped that the Access Report will be the start of a coordinated approach to address accessibility issues in Southam.

		In both Southam and Coleshill, the Local Access Groups which have been set up have identified a need for drop kerbs to provide safer road crossing points in the towns. Over £30,000 of works have since been carried out in each town over the past 12 months. Experience gained in addressing disabled access issues in Southam may now be used not only in other market towns, but in towns and villages all over Warwickshire.

	For further information about Warwickshires Market Towns please contact us at regenproj@warwickshire.gov.uk

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