MY brother’s 12-year-old grandson visited me from Coventry – his family was staying in Haworth for a few days. He is wheelchair dependent.
On the Sunday we thought it a good idea for the whole family to visit Cliffe Castle.
Would it not have been a good idea for the council to have included a disabled person’s lift to the first floor of the museum as part of the multi-million pound grant used for the recent refurbishment?
The cafe and glass pavilion were accessible thanks to an installed chairlift and ramp. We asked if there was a lift to the first floor of the museum and were told no.
Surely in this day and age a similar lift could have been included as part of the alterations, the cost being a fractionally small part of the overall grant? Presumably other wheelchair users, like our 12-year-old, are also deprived of the first-floor displays.
May I add that I have no criticism of the staff – they were most helpful, unlocking the conservatory door etc to allow wheelchair access to the ground floor.
MRS CHRISTINE OXLEY Exley Head
* A Bradford Council spokesman said: “The museum was reviewed, along with all public buildings, in response to the Disability Discrimination Act.
“As part of the interventions and reasonable adjustments identified, a lift was considered and this has been revisited on a number of occasions since.
“However, the listed building status applied to Cliffe Castle and lease agreement means that we have been unable to find a solution.
“So that visitors who are unable to use the stairs can view the exhibitions on the first floor, we have commissioned a virtual 3D tour of the museum. It is currently available from our website and will be available in the museum soon.”
More details can be found at bradfordmuseums.org/blog/explore-cliffe-castle-with-21st-century-technology.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here