Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre Access Statement

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Introduction
Quality, knowledge and customer focus are the foundations of Chesterfield's Visitor Information Service. We aim to build on these foundations, through continuous improvement, to make Chesterfield a recognised, sustainable tourist destination, to drive up the economic prosperity of the area and to make the Tourist Information Centre accessible to as many people as possible.

Pre-Arrival

  • VisitChesterfield.info website that is WC3 Level Triple A compliant.
  • Working towards providing additional access information on the website through self assessment for accommodation, attractions and places to eat.
  • Information available in large print, on tape and in Braille.
  • Information available in French, German and Spanish.
  • Clearly worded brochures describing attractions in the area and including contact numbers, email and website addresses for the Tourist Information Centre.
  • Fax and email available.
  • The Centre is located in a pedestrian area in Chesterfield town centre, close to the ‘Crooked Spire' Church.
  • A mini guide with a town centre map can be provided on request.

Arrival and Car Parking Facilities

  • The Visitor Information Centre is in a pedestrian area, Rykneld Square, which is block paved and has seating.
  • The Centre is signposted from all car parks as well as the Coach Station and the Railway Station.
  • Onsite parking is not available. The nearest car park is the pay and display car park on St Mary's Gate, which is about 150 metres from the Centre. It has no widened bays. The nearest car park with designated parking for blue badge holders is the pay and display car park on Holywell Cross, which is 250 metres away.
  • Most Chesterfield Borough Council operated pay and display surface car parks have widened bays designated for blue badge holders (this can be checked on the VisitChesterfield website through the Map page by clicking on the link in the ‘By Road' section).
  • The route from both St Mary's Gate and Holywell Cross car parks is along fairly level pavements. Roads have to be crossed on both routes but there are dropped curbs and pedestrian crossings.
  • There are town centre map boards in all car parks.
  • The nearest train station is Chesterfield Railway Station which is about 600 metres away. The route is steep and not suitable for a manual wheelchair user. Taxis are available from the Railway Station but if an accessible taxi is required it should be booked in advance (Tel: Big D's Taxi 01246 558300 or Celia's Cars 01246 456035).
  • National Express coaches drop off in Bay A at Chesterfield Coach Station. This is about 400 metres from the Visitor Information Centre. The route is along pavements and, where roads have to be crossed, there are dropped curbs and pedestrian crossings.

Main Entrance and Reception

  • The Visitor Information Centre is open Monday to Saturday, 9 am-5 pm. The Centre is open until 5.30 pm from Easter to the end of October. The Centre is open as normal on all summer Bank Holiday Mondays.
  • There are no steps and access is by automatic doors allowing easy wheelchair access.
  • Entry is free of charge.
  • Staff are easy to identify as they wear uniforms and name badges.
  • The central work station on the desk has a hearing loop.

Public Areas - General

  • The floor area is all on one level and the browsing areas are large enough for wheelchairs and scooters to manoeuvre.
  • The counter is low level and seating is provided.
  • The Centre has a Map for All which is a new concept in map design. It has Braille, raised text, bright colours and symbols to allow people with sight impairment or learning disabilities, as well as children, to find out where places are in relation to each other in the town centre.
  • A Braille or large print map is available for customers to borrow.
  • Some information displays may be too high for people with disabilities to reach or view but staff are always willing to assist in these circumstances.
  • Lighting is high level and provided by spotlights and downlighters.
  • All items in the shop are clearly priced.
  • Many items are at low level, staff are happy to provide assistance if required.
  • Assistance dogs are welcome.
  • Payment is accepted by cash, cheque or credit / debit card. If paying by card, the pdq machine can be passed to the customer for them to enter their PIN.

Public Areas - WC

  • There is no public toilet in the Visitor Information Centre. The nearest public toilets are at the Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, about 250 metres away but the route down Steeplegate is steep and may be a problem for a manual wheelchair user. Alternative toilets are in Chesterfield Market Hall, about 300 metres away but (apart from the accessible toilet) the toilets are down a flight of steps.
  • There is one accessible toilet at Vicar Lane and one at the Market Hall. Radar keys are available from the Visitor Information Centre.
  • There is a baby changing unit at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre.

Additional Information

  • There is no background music or tannoy.
  • The Visitor Information Centre provides staff training, particularly the Welcome All course which aims to promote access for all.
  • The Centre has been awarded the corporate Welcome to Excellence certificate because the majority of staff have attended one or more of the Welcome range of customer care courses.
  • Motorised wheelchairs can be hired from Chesterfield Shopmobility, located in Beetwell Street Multi-Storey Car Park, Tel: 01246 559331.
  • The Centre can provide a listing of accessible attractions, either for personal callers, by post or by email.
  • The Visitor Information Centre stocks the Good Access Guide for Chesterfield town centre.

Contact Information

Telephone: 01246 345777 / 345778
Fax: 01246 345770
Email: tourism@chesterfield.gov.uk
Website: www.visitchesterfield.info
Address: Rykneld Square
Chesterfield
Derbyshire
S40 1SB
National Rail Enquiries - Tel: 08457 48 49 50
Local bus information - Traveline Tel: 0871 200 22 33

We welcome your feedback to help us continuously improve. If you have any comments please telephone the Visitor Information Centre Tel: 01246 345777/8 or email tourism@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Created on 6 October 2008