Greetings everyone!
My name is Lizzie. I am a retired RN, Primary School teacher and Lay Magistrate aged 69 and a Resident of Uxbridge for the past 29 years.
3 years ago after 5 years of worsening health, in order to maintain my independence, I had to start using a Mobility Boot Scooter.
The Disability Discrimination Act was made law in 1995 and replaced by the Equality Act of 2010. I quickly discovered that some shop owners and other establishments have not followed the law and do not make as many adjustments as they could, so that less able-bodied people gain access to whatever services they provide.
The purpose of this article and many to follow, is a Guide so that less able bodied are aware of the best and the worst premises in Uxbridge.
The worst shop and premises owners will be “named and shamed”, hopefully into adapting their premises or proceedures, so that the less able can gain access, if they wish to do so.
Sometimes it just a matter of providing a ramp!
The best premises will be praised and rewarded for their efforts.
After a personal visit by myself, one of each will be judged on the following and given a rating:
Access to the premises
Inside space: Table setting, mobility scooter & aisle space
Staff service & attitude
Restroom facilities access
Cleanliness
Environment Noise levels
Price Range
Please note: These are my opinions only. Please feel free to comment.
So on to this weeks investigation summaries:
This weeks best business for accesibility :
CR Turners Opticians
11 High St Uxbridge.
UB8 1JN
WHEELCHAIR AND SCOOTER ACCESS 9 out of 10
Scooters and wheelchairs with a width of 21 inches/54cm or less can enter easily.
Larger scooters can be parked outside the shop and will be clearly visible through the large, front window of the shop.
There are two, low steps up to the Eye testing room & toilet.
Even with waiting chairs and a reception desk, there is plenty of unrestricted room to park inside.
Staff service & attitude 10 out of 10:
A family run business, established 40years ago.
Staff are welcoming, friendly, super helpful & take care to make sure customers are happy with all aspects of service. They are happy to assist customers navigating the steps.
Tea is offered to Elderly customers, made in the kitchen at the back of the shop..
Restroom Facilities. 9 out of 10:
Roomy, with toilet & washbasin.
Cleanliness 10 out of 10
All areas are very clean. Floors are cleaned when there is a quiet moment, in addition to the end of the day.
Environmental noise:10 out of 10:
Very calm & quiet-only lots of jokes & laughter!
Price Range: 10 out of 10
Low to medium, the staff will reccomend the best options based on your individual budget.
The Worst:
Peri Peri King Express
139 – 140 High Street
UB8 1JX
WHEELCHAIR AND SCOOTER ACCESS 1 out of 10
There is a step up of 7”/4cm. This makes it virtually impossible to gain access on a scooter unless you have a friend or a customer steps in to help. Doors are wide enough for both small and large sized mobility scooters. Parking outside is not advised as pavement is narrow and there is no clear view from inside.
Roomy at times near the cash desk whilst waiting for take away food.
Lots of tables at the back make navigating scooters a problem if you wish to dine in.
Staff service & attitude:1/10
Cashiers are slow to serve even in quiet periods, have a “cant be bothered “, unwelcoming attitude and don't pay full attention to customers orders. Correct change isn't always given.
Take away foods come back with items missing from orders.
Seating is available at the rear of the establishment. Table staff make no attempt to help scooter owners with seating arrangements.
Only help may come from other customers, if offered.
Restroom Facilities: 1/10
Toilet & Handbasin will not fit a wheelchair or any sized scooter.
Cleanliness: 0/10
At the time of my visit the premises floors were unclean, vacated tables seemed slow to be cleaned and made ready for next customers.
No fly prevention such as sticky traps, expect flies sharing your food uninvited.
Environmental noise: 4/10
Can be very noisy at times.
Price Range: 5/10
Medium
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