A group that influences accessibility improvements across Congleton has outlined its recent work, which ranges from transport planning and accessible bus information to town centre inclusion and public events.
Congleton Town Council’s Equal Access Advisory Group gave its latest update to the council’s Community Committee and highlighted a series of practical developments led or supported by the group in recent months.
The group said that one of its most significant recent developments has been its involvement in the development of Cheshire East Council’s Transport Plan Strategy. Following feedback submitted through Congleton Town Council, Cheshire East officers requested a dedicated meeting with the group to better understand accessibility concerns raised by disabled residents.
Dr Lawson and Coun Kay Wesley met Cheshire East officers to discuss the issues in more detail. Dr Lawson said officers reported finding the session “highly valuable” and asked the group to continue providing input as the transport strategy develops.
Another recent success involved Cheshire East Council’s redesign of Beartown Bus timetable leaflets for services 90, 91, 92 and 93A/C. The group provided detailed feedback on accessibility and readability, including colour contrast, text clarity, layout, sensory considerations and the inclusion of more diverse imagery.
The group also recommended clearer information for visually impaired passengers, wheelchair and pushchair users, and residents requiring alternative timetable formats.
Congleton Live has requested specific accessibility input for this summer’s Jazz and Blues Festival, while the Disability Welcome Scheme for local businesses continues to grow, with several shops expected to receive Silver Awards in the coming months.
Dr Lawson has also worked with the team at Astbury Mere Trust to develop a new accessibility guide for the site, which has already received positive feedback from visitors.
Dr Lawson said: “It has been extremely encouraging to see how many businesses and events are actively seeking to make their services more inclusive for local residents.
“I particularly want to recognise Cheshire East officers for being so open to discussion and genuinely committed to ensuring public transport information is as accessible as possible.
“I would also like to thank the members of the Equal Access Advisory Group for the time, expertise and lived experience they continue to contribute. Their input and dedication are invaluable, and it is wonderful to see it making such a difference across Congleton.”
Members of the Community Committee were pleased to see that the revised leaflet designs incorporated all of the group’s recommendations, with Cheshire East officers also agreeing to review wider document standards for future publications.
Committee chair Coun Kay Wesley said: “We are grateful to the Equal Access Group and its chair, Dr Deborah Lawson, for the time it spends helping us understand how to design services for people with disabilities and additional access needs.
“This is now having a broad impact, not just on the town council’s activities but on other organisations providing services in Congleton.
“Many thanks to all the businesses and event organisers who have embraced the advice the group has given and used it to create more inclusive experiences for our residents.”
The Equal Access Group is supporting Congleton Town Council’s next steps towards becoming a Disability Confident Committed Employer. The initiative follows completion of Disability Confident training.
Future plans include further accessibility training for staff and councillors, and reviewing recruitment and working practices to help remove barriers for disabled people.
Couns congratulated Dr Lawson after she was recently named among the world’s “Top 100 Women Driving Meaningful Change” by Shelist, in recognition of her wider work on disability and inclusion.
In addition, Equal Access Group member Alec Scaresbrook was recently recognised with the Unsung Hero award at the town mayor’s Civic Awards for his work removing barriers and helping to make outdoor environments more accessible for everyone.
The advisory group is a team of local disabled people who provide insight and advice on accessibility matters to Congleton Town Council.
Any business with a shop front is invited to complete the checklist and apply for “Disability Welcome” status.
If businesses can tick off enough items on the list, they will be awarded a “Disability Welcome” window sticker and certificate and be included in the Disability Guide to Congleton.
The list can be picked up as a leaflet at the information centre in the town hall and can be downloaded from the town council’s website.
