By KLTV Newsdesk –

Kirklees Council has introduced a series of Access Guides designed to make visiting local places and spaces easier for everyone. The initiative, launched in partnership with AccessAble, seeks to address accessibility challenges and foster inclusivity across the region.

Improving Access Across Kirklees

The council collaborated with AccessAble, the UK’s largest provider of accessibility information, to conduct comprehensive reviews of various locations across Kirklees. The reviews covered parks, civic buildings, leisure centres, and travel routes. Community stakeholders were consulted to prioritise areas requiring accessibility assessments.

The resulting Access Guides offer detailed information on access arrangements, welfare facilities, and parking, enabling individuals to plan their visits in advance and maintain independence. The guides are readily available on the council’s website, ensuring easy access for all.

Work is ongoing to expand the initiative, with further surveys planned to create additional guides for other council-owned venues across the district.

Design Principles for Future Development

In tandem with the Access Guides, Kirklees Council has developed a set of Design Principles to guide the future development of accessible places and spaces. These principles aim to embed inclusivity into the fabric of new and existing infrastructure.

Community and Partner Support

Councillor Beverley Addy, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, expressed the council’s dedication to inclusivity, stating: “We are committed to creating more inclusive and accessible communities for all our residents in Kirklees by tackling access inequalities they may face. The launch of the Access Guides and Design Principles represents a significant step forward in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can lead independent and dignified lives.”

Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, highlighted the broader benefits of the initiative: “By creating places and spaces that are welcoming and accessible to all, we are fostering a more vibrant and resilient community. These efforts are crucial components of our broader strategy to drive regeneration and economic growth in Kirklees.”

David Livermore, Director of Business Development at AccessAble, praised the collaboration: “AccessAble is delighted to be working with Kirklees Council on this exciting inclusivity initiative. Our aim is to encourage more councils to adopt a similar approach, enabling disabled people to have greater freedom in exploring their local area.”

New Changing Places Toilets Installed

As part of its commitment to accessibility, Kirklees Council secured funding from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to install Changing Places Toilet facilities at Greenhead Park, Oakwell Hall Country Park, and Civic Centre 1 in Huddersfield.

A further facility was installed at Slaithwaite Civic Hall in partnership with Slaithwaite Civic Hall Trust. These state-of-the-art facilities are equipped to meet the needs of individuals with complex disabilities, allowing them to maintain dignity and independence while out in the community.

Kirklees Council’s efforts underscore its commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment, ensuring that all residents and visitors can fully enjoy the district’s diverse spaces and services.