Laura Sharman 22 August 2017

Councils urged to make public spaces more accessible

Councils should ensure bins and other street furniture does not stop people with mobility issues from using public spaces, under guidance published yesterday.

The recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) sets out how councils can help the elderly, those with disabilities or parents using prams be more active in their area.

This includes keeping bins and hanging baskets out of the way on pavements, and changing the time between signals at traffic lights to give people more time to cross.

It also recommends using dropped down pavements and textured ground at pedestrian crossings.

Professor Mark Baker, director of the centre for guidelines at NICE, said: ‘It should not matter whether you are on foot, in a wheelchair, have a visual impairment or if you’re a parent pushing a pram.

‘If streets, parks and other open spaces are well planned, everyone should be able to get around their local area easily. Safe, accessible streets and well maintained parks can help people to get active and live longer, healthier lives.’

The guidance also says parks could be made more accessible by installing clearer signage, measures to reduce anti-social behaviour and having seats with arm and back rests.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Rehabilitation Officer Vision Impairment

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £52,767
Rehabilitation Officer Vision Impairmen... Twickenham, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Residential Worker

Wakefield Council
£32,061.00 to £34,434.00, Grade 7.
We are looking for a Full-Time Children's Residential Worker to join our team at Clarence Children's Home in Wakefield Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Community Development Officer

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£32,962 - £36,791 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Community Development Officer to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire / Multiple
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Telecare Responder

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 to £31,022 per annum
Could you respond to emergency calls, gain access and administer first aid if necessary? Could you assist in the provision of an equitable Countywide Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, Mid Team

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, Mid TeamPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner