Pavements, lifts, seating and disabled toilets are among 14 issues raised at the Accessible Worcester event, the council's report for 2 November shows.

A report on accessibility in Worcester will go to the city council’s Place and Economic Development Committee on Monday 2 November, after the council held its second Accessible Worcester conference at the Guildhall, Worcester City Council said on 23 October.

The conference brought together residents from across the city to talk about the barriers disabled people meet in Worcester. This year the discussion focused in particular on hidden disabilities and on getting access to disability support.

What people raised

The council said participants described barriers in five areas of everyday life:

  • using services
  • getting about on public transport
  • visiting the high street
  • going into shops and restaurants
  • attending organised events

The council has not yet published the list of priority actions agreed at the conference. It said “some of the priority actions from the conference will now be taken forward by the Council”, and that where it does not have the power to change something directly, it will use its influence with the organisations that do.

What the councillor said

Councillor Robyn Norfolk, the council’s Member Champion for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, spoke at the conference. She said:

“Creating an accessible and inclusive city is everyone’s responsibility, and events like this help bring together the voices, experiences and expertise needed to drive positive change.

“We are committed to listening to people and working closely with community groups, charities and partners to ensure Worcester continues to become a more welcoming and supportive place for all.

“While significant progress has been made, we know there is always more to do. The feedback and ideas shared through events such as this are invaluable in helping shape future improvements.”

The council says it has committed to being “an excellent local leader in equality, diversity and inclusion”, which it describes as taking the lead in hosting inclusive events and opening up the discussion about wider barriers to getting around the city.

What the council’s report says

Updated 29 October: the council has published its report for the 2 November meeting.

The Accessibility in Worcester report lists the topics people at the 8 October conference wanted looked at. The council calls it a summary only, with details still to be worked through. The topics are:

  • the range of disabilities and accessibility needs
  • street furniture
  • accessible parking
  • the condition of pavements and whether road crossings are good enough
  • whether there is enough seating
  • how accessible public events are
  • lifts out of order in key public buildings
  • public transport
  • digital exclusion
  • using computers in public spaces
  • paying in shops
  • the value of face-to-face services
  • examples of discriminatory treatment in shops and hospitality venues
  • disabled toilets

The report says some of these are outside the city council’s control. Officers are writing a summary report to send to everyone who attended. Feedback forms suggested people want a third event next year.

The report also sets out three pieces of work:

  • Gheluvelt Park: officers have applied for it to become one of six dementia friendly park case studies in England. Each chosen site gets a £10,000 grant for improvements. The research is led by the University of Worcester’s Association for Dementia Studies and funded with £153,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Sites were due to hear by the end of October.
  • Age Friendly City: officers are gathering evidence for a possible application to the Centre for Ageing Better, and are setting up an Ageing Well frailty forum with health and community partners.
  • Scala: the new Scala arts centre buildings in Angel Place will be audited by AccessAble before they open.

The committee is asked only to note the report. It meets at 7pm on Monday 2 November at the Guildhall (agenda).

What it means for you

  • To take part in future events: the council is asking anyone interested in its future accessibility events to email equality@worcester.gov.uk.
  • To read the report: it is on the committee page, and the meeting on 2 November is open to the public.
  • Getting around the centre: our guide to parking in Worcester covers the city’s car parks.