Access Guide
Introduction
- Marks and Spencer store opening times and services available link (new tab) - click here.
- The store is located within the Roaring Meg Retail Park.
- The details within this access guide relate to the Marks and Spencer store and not the retail park.
- Roaring Meg Retail Park link (new tab) - click here.
Public Transport and Parking
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Public Transport
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- There is a bus stop within approximately 150m of the store.
- The nearest train station is Stevenage.
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Parking
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- The store does not have its own car park.
- The store shares a car park/parking facilities.
- Clearly marked/signposted designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
- Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are available.
- There is a dropped kerb from the car park to the store.
- The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
Approach
- There is step free access on the approach to the store.
- The surface of the approach is block paving.
- There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach to the store.
Outside Access (M&S Food)
- This information is for the entrance located at the front left of the building.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- There is a slope with a very easy incline.
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Entrance Details
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- The main door(s) open(s) automatically away from you.
- The door(s) is/are double.
- The width of the door opening is 200cm (6ft 7in).
- There are fixed barriers/security barriers at this entrance.
- The minimum width between the fixed barriers/security barriers is 220cm.
Outside Access (Food Hall / Womenswear)
- This information is for the entrance located at the front centre of the store.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- There is a slope with a very easy incline.
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Entrance Details
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- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double.
- The width of the door opening is 210cm (6ft 11in).
- There are fixed barriers/security barriers at this entrance.
- The minimum width between the fixed barriers/security barriers is 232cm.
Outside Access (Womenswear)
- This information is for the entrance located to the front right of the store.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
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Entrance Details
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- The main door(s) open(s) automatically away from you.
- The door(s) is/are double.
- The width of the door opening is 200cm (6ft 7in).
- There are fixed barriers/security barriers at this entrance.
- The minimum width between the fixed barriers/security barriers is 230cm.
Inside Access
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Inside Access
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- There is step free access throughout the store.
- The store does play background music.
- There is a/are fixed hearing assistance system(s) in the store.
- The hearing assistance system(s) is/are located at the Customer Services counter, at the Refunds and Exchange counter, in the Café and at all tills/counters within the store.
- There is not a cash machine in the store.
- Trolleys designed for the use of wheelchair users are available.
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Click and Collect
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- There is a Click and Collect service in the store.
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*****Click and Collect Touchscreen****
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- Self-service touchscreens are available for Click and Collect.
- The touchscreens are 110cm to 172cm from the floor.
- There is a button which will condense the screen content.
- The height of the button is 115cm from the floor.
- Once condensed the touchscreen heights are 110cm to 142cm from the floor.
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Comments
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- The click and collect machines are located to the right of the store on the ground floor, next to the womenswear changing rooms.
Customer Services (and Checkouts Ground Floor)
- The Customer Services counter is located to the right of the store on the ground floor.
- There is step free access to the Customer Services counter.
- There is a clear accessible route to the Customer Services counter.
- The Customer Services counter is approximately 30m from the Food Hall / Womenswear entrance.
- The height of the Customer Services counter is 91cm.
- The height of the lowered section of the counter is 77cm.
- There is a clear knee recess beneath the lowered section(s) of the till(s)/counter(s).
- The clear knee recess has the dimensions of 70cm (height) x 30cm (depth).
- There is a hearing assistance system at the counter.
- There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the till(s)/counter(s) which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The till(s)/counter(s) is/are not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
- The Customer Services counter is also used for Refunds and Exchanges.
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Comments
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- There are eight self-service payment counters with touchscreens at heights between 130cm and 152cm.
- There is a lower touchscreen with a height between 90cm and 133cm.
- There is a Click and Collect point to the left of the tills that has touch screen heights ranging from 110cm - 155cm. There is an accessibility mode which drops the screen to operating heights of 110cm - 140cm.
Womenswear
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Womenswear
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- Womenswear is located on the ground floor.
- There is step free access to Womenswear.
- The majority of aisles have a clear width of 100cm+ and are clear of obstructions.
- There is step free access throughout the Womenswear aisle(s).
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Till(s)/Counter(s)
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- There is step free access to the Womenswear till(s)/counter(s).
- There is a clear accessible route to the Womenswear till(s)/counter(s).
- The nearest Womenswear till(s)/counter(s) is/are approximately 15m from the from Try it On facility.
- The height of the Womenswear till(s)/counter(s) is/are 90cm.
- The height of the lowered section of the till(s)/counter(s) is 77cm.
- There is a clear knee recess beneath the lowered section(s) of the till(s)/counter(s).
- The clear knee recess has the dimensions of 70cm (height) x 30cm (depth).
- There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the till(s)/counter(s) which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The till(s)/counter(s) is/are placed in front of a background which is patterned.
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Self-Service Touchscreens
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- The controls/screen heights for the self-service checkout(s) vary between 126cm and 148cm.
- The chip & pin card machines are accessible from the self-service checkout(s).
- Colleagues can provide assistance with using the self-service checkout(s).
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Accessible Fitting Room(s)
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- There is/are 9 fitting room(s) in total within Womenswear, 1 of which is an accessible fitting room.
- There is step free access to the accessible fitting room(s).
- There is a clear accessible route to the accessible fitting room(s).
- The name/number of the accessible fitting room surveyed is 5.
- There is not a curtain opening to access the accessible fitting room(s).
- The clear width of the opening is 94cm.
- The dimensions of the accessible fitting room(s) are 260cm x 225cm.
- There is clear manoeuvring space in the accessible fitting room(s).
- There is a/are wall mounted rail(s) in the accessible fitting room(s).
- There is a drop down rail in the accessible fitting room(s).
- There is a mirror in the accessible fitting room(s), the bottom edge of the mirror is 10cm from the floor.
- There are coat hooks in the accessible fitting room(s) at 60cm and 110cm from the floor.
- There is a functional emergency alarm in the accessible fitting room(s).
- There is a drop down/tip up chair in the accessible fitting room(s).
- The height of the chair from the floor is 48cm.
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Standard Fitting Room(s)
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- There is/are 8 standard fitting room(s) within Womenswear.
- There is step free access to the standard fitting room(s).
- There is a clear accessible route to the standard fitting room(s).
- There is a chair/stool/changing bench in the standard fitting room(s).
Food Hall
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Food Hall
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- The Food Hall is located to the left of the store on the ground floor.
- There is step free access to the Food Hall.
- The majority of aisles have a clear width of 100cm+ and are clear of obstructions.
- There is step free access throughout the Food Hall aisle(s).
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Till(s)/Counter(s)
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- There is not a food information counter.
- There is a/are checkout(s) and self service till(s) (Scott tills) in the Food Hall.
- The height of the checkout(s) is/are 100cm.
- There is a self service till with a hearing assistance system.
- Staff can provide assistance with using the self service till(s) (Scott tills).
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Comments
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- There are self checkout tills with screen height ranging from 100cm - 140cm
- There is a separate exit from the Food Hall next to the tills.
- There are barriers with a width of 232cm, double automatic doors with a width of 200cm and a slight slope when exiting.
Lingerie
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Lingerie
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- Lingerie is located towards the rear right of the ground floor.
- There is step free access to Lingerie.
- The majority of aisles have a clear width of 100cm+ and are clear of obstructions.
- There is step free access throughout the Lingerie aisle(s).
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Standard Fitting Room(s)
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- There is/are 4 standard fitting room(s) within Lingerie.
- There is step free access to the standard fitting room(s).
- There is a clear accessible route to the standard fitting room(s).
- There is a chair/stool/changing bench in the standard fitting room(s).
Beauty
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Beauty
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- The Beauty department is located ahead as you enter, on the ground floor.
- There is step free access to the Beauty department.
- The majority of aisles have a clear width of 100cm+ and are clear of obstructions.
- There is step free access throughout the Beauty department aisle(s).
Other Floors
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Escalator(s)
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- There is an/are escalator(s) for public use.
- The escalator(s) is/are located in the middle of the store.
- The escalator(s) in the store go both up and down.
- The floors which are accessible by escalators are Ground and 1st.
- The escalator steps are not clearly marked.
- The foot and head of the escalator(s) are clearly marked.
- There is a bollard at the foot and head of the escalator.
- The lift is clearly visible from the escalator(s).
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Lift
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- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the rear of the store.
- There is step free access to the lift.
- There is a clear accessible route to the lift.
- The lift is approximately 60m from the Food Hall / Womenswear entrance.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are ground and 1st.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The clear door width is 120cm.
- The dimensions of the lift are 210cm x 157cm.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing out the lift.
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- The lift has a visual floor indicator.
- The lift has an audible announcer.
- The lift has a hearing assistance alarm system.
- The lift controls have tactile markings.
- The lift controls have Braille markings.
Customer Services (and Checkouts First Floor)
- The Customer Services counter is located next to the Menswear fitting rooms on the first floor.
- There is step free access to the Customer Services counter.
- There is a clear accessible route to the Customer Services counter.
- The Customer Services counter is approximately 55m from the lift.
- The height of the Customer Services counter is 92cm.
- The height of the lowered section of the counter is 76cm.
- There is a clear knee recess beneath the lowered section(s) of the till(s)/counter(s).
- The clear knee recess has the dimensions of 70cm (height) x 30cm (depth).
- There is a hearing assistance system at the counter.
- There are not windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the till(s)/counter(s) which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The till(s)/counter(s) is/are not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
- The Customer Services counter is also used for Refunds and Exchanges.
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Comments
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- There are 4 self service checkouts next to the Menswear department. Three have touch screen operation heights between 110cm - 145cm . There is a lowered self service till that has screen controls between 90cm - 130cm. There is a knee recess at this till that is 76cm high.
Menswear
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Menswear
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- Menswear is located on the first floor.
- There is step free access to Menswear, via lift.
- The majority of aisles have a clear width of 100cm+ and are clear of obstructions.
- There is step free access throughout the Menswear aisle(s).
- There is a browse and order hub within Menswear.
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Accessible Fitting Room(s)
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- There is/are 5 fitting room(s) in total within Menswear, 1 of which is an accessible fitting room.
- There is step free access to the accessible fitting room(s).
- There is a clear accessible route to the accessible fitting room(s).
- The name/number of the accessible fitting room surveyed is 5.
- There is not a curtain opening to access the accessible fitting room(s).
- The clear width of the opening is 94cm.
- The dimensions of the accessible fitting room(s) are 270cm x 330cm.
- There is clear manoeuvring space in the accessible fitting room(s).
- There is a/are wall mounted rail(s) in the accessible fitting room(s).
- There is a drop down rail in the accessible fitting room(s).
- There is a mirror in the accessible fitting room(s), the bottom edge of the mirror is 14cm from the floor.
- There are coat hooks in the accessible fitting room(s) at 60cm and 110cm from the floor.
- There is a functional emergency alarm, but the pull cord is out of reach (10cm+ from the floor).
- There is a drop down/tip up chair in the accessible fitting room(s).
- The height of the chair from the floor is 48cm.
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Standard Fitting Room(s)
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- There is/are 4 standard fitting room(s) within Menswear.
- There is step free access to the standard fitting room(s).
- There is a clear accessible route to the standard fitting room(s).
- There is a chair/stool/changing bench in the standard fitting room(s).
Babywear/Kidswear
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Babywear/Kidswear
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- Babywear/Kidswear is located on the first floor.
- There is step free access to Babywear/Kidswear, via lift.
- The majority of aisles have a clear width of 100cm+ and are clear of obstructions.
- There is step free access throughout the Babywear/Kidswear aisle(s).
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Accessible Fitting Room(s)
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- There is/are 2 fitting room(s) in total within Babywear/Kidswear, 1 of which is an accessible fitting room.
- There is step free access to the accessible fitting room(s).
- There is a clear accessible route to the accessible fitting room(s).
- The name/number of the accessible fitting room surveyed is 2.
- There is not a curtain opening to access the accessible fitting room(s).
- The dimensions of the accessible fitting room(s) are 275cm x 220cm.
- There is clear manoeuvring space in the accessible fitting room(s).
- There is a/are wall mounted rail(s) in the accessible fitting room(s).
- There is a drop down rail in the accessible fitting room(s).
- There is a mirror in the accessible fitting room(s), the bottom edge of the mirror is 13cm from the floor.
- There is a/are coat hook(s) in the accessible fitting room(s), 110cm from the floor.
- There is a functional emergency alarm in the accessible fitting room(s).
- There is a drop down/tip up chair in the accessible fitting room(s).
- The height of the chair from the floor is 48cm.
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Standard Fitting Room(s)
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- There is/are 1 standard fitting room(s) within Babywear/Kidswear.
- There is step free access to the standard fitting room(s).
- There is a clear accessible route to the standard fitting room(s).
- There is a chair/stool/changing bench in the standard fitting room(s).
Café
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Location and Access
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- The Café is located on the first floor.
- There is step free access to the Café, via lift.
- There is a clear accessible route to the Café.
- There is step free access throughout the Café.
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Counter
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- Food and/or drink(s) is/are ordered from the service counter.
- Food and/or drinks can be brought to the table.
- The height of the service counter is 92cm.
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Self-Service Touchscreens
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- Self-service touchscreens are available for ordering.
- The touchscreens are 118cm to 180cm from the floor.
- There is a button which will condense the screen content.
- The height of the button is 123cm from the floor.
- Once condensed the touchscreen heights are 118cm to 162cm from the floor.
- The touchscreens have tent cards which you can use to get food and drink delivered to tables.
- The height of the tent card rack is 120cm.
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Tables and Seating
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- There is a priority table for wheelchair users.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 5m from the Café entrance/opening.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest dining table is 74cm.
- The distance between the floor and the highest dining table is 106cm.
- There is clear manoeuvring space throughout the Café.
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Menus and Services
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- Menus are available on the wall.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Two handle cups are not available.
- The Café does play background music.
- WiFi is available in the Café.
Home
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Home
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- The Home department is located on the first floor.
- There is step free access to the Home department, via lift.
- The majority of aisles have a clear width of 100cm+ and are clear of obstructions.
- There is step free access throughout the Home department aisle(s).
Opticians
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Opticians
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- The opticians is located to the rear left of the first floor.
- There is step-free access to the Opticians, via lift.
- There is step-free access throughout the Opticians department.
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Till(s)/Counter(s)
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- There is step-free access to the till(s)/counter(s).
- There is a clear accessible route to the till(s)/counter(s).
- The nearest till(s)/counter(s) is/are approximately 30m from the lift.
- The height of the till(s)/counter(s) is/are 91cm.
- There is not a hearing assistance system available at the till(s)/counter(s).
- There are not windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the till(s)/counter(s) which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The till(s)/counter(s) is/are not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
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Consultation Room(s)
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- There is/are 3 consultation room(s) available.
- There is step-free access to the consultation room(s).
- There is a clear accessible route to the consultation room(s).
- The room surveyed was; 1.
- There is a/are door(s) leading into the consultation room surveyed.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 86cm.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (minimum space of 150cm x 150cm).
- There is a sink in the consultation room.
- There is a chair available.
- The chair has armrests available on both sides.
- The consultation room is enclosed with a roof.
Changing Places (Right Hand Transfer)
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Location and Access
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- The facility is located on the first floor, near to the café.
- The facility is approximately 70m (76yd 1ft) from the lift.
- The facility is in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
- There is level access into the facility.
- The facility surveyed is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- You do not need a key for the facility.
- There is not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is easy to open.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the door is 93cm (3ft 1in).
- The dimensions of the facility are 310cm x 455cm.
- The ceiling height is at a minimum of 2.4m.
- There is a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
- The facility has a non-slip floor.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
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Toilet Details
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- The facility toilet has a transfer space on one side only.
- The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 150cm.
- The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 80cm.
- Dropdown rails are provided.
- As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
- The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- As you face the toilet there are vertical grab rails on both sides.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a spatula flush.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 100cm.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
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Changing Bench and Hoist Details
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- The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
- The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
- The length of the facility changing bench is 185cm (6ft 1in).
- The facility hoist is mobile.
- The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
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Other Facilities
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- A privacy screen is available.
- The type of wash basin is adjustable.
- The wash basin tap type is sensor.
- There is a mixer tap.
- Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
- As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- The colour contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 112cm.
- Wide tear off paper roll is available.
- The wide paper roll dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 96cm.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is a/are female sanitary, non-infectious waste and general domestic waste disposal units.
- There is an emergency alarm for the facility.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
- There is a coat hook.
- There are coat hooks in the toilet at 128cm and 163cm from the floor.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- The lighting levels are good.
Parent and Baby Room
- There is a parent and baby room in the store.
- The parent and baby room is located on the first floor, near to the café.
- There is step free access into the parent and baby room.
- There is a clear accessible route to the parent and baby room.
- The parent and baby room is approximately 70m from the lift.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the room.
- The height of the baby change table/bench once extended and in use is 90cm.
- There are disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
- There is a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
- The height of the wash basin is 80cm.
- There is/are not chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
- There is a toilet in the parent and baby room.
Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)
- There is an accessible toilet in the store.
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Location of and Access to the Accessible Toilet
View
- The accessible toilet is unisex.
- The accessible toilet is located on the first floor.
- There is step free access into the accessible toilet.
- There is a clear accessible route to the accessible toilet.
- The accessible toilet is approximately 70m from the lift.
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Features and Dimensions of the Accessible Toilet
View
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the accessible toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is pictorial and written signage on or near the toilet door.
- The door opens towards you (pull).
- The width of the door opening is 90cm.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 245cm x 265cm.
- There is clear manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 185cm.
- There is a drop down rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a functional emergency alarm.
- There are disposal facilities in the accessible toilet.
- There are coat hooks in the accessible toilet at 122cm and 157cm from the floor.
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Position of Fixtures in the Accessible Toilet
View
- There is a/are wall mounted rail(s).
- As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
- There is not a shelf or equivalent flat surface in the accessible toilet (includes toilet cistern).
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm.
- The toilet has a backrest.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 96cm.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The height of the wash basin is 72cm.
- The tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
- The tap(s) can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 96cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 92cm.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The height of the hand dryer is 89cm.
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Colour Contrast in the Accessible Toilet
View
- There is a colour contrast between the external door and wall.
- There is a colour contrast between internal door and wall.
- There is a colour contrast between the grab rail(s) on the right and wall.
- There is a colour contrast between the grab rail(s) on the left and wall.
- There is a colour contrast between the drop down rail and wall.
- There is a colour contrast between the walls and floor.
Standard Toilet(s)
- There is a/are standard female and male toilet(s) in the store.
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Standard Female and Male Toilet(s)
View
- The female and male toilet(s) is/are located on the first floor, near to the café .
- There is step free access to all of the standard female and male toilet(s).
- There is a clear accessible route to all of the standard female and male toilet(s).
- There is an ambulant cubicle, with a minimum manoeuvring space of 45cm x 45cm and handrails on both sides.
Additional Information (Food Hall Exit)
- Staff undertake regular internal awareness training.
- There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
- There is a member of staff available to provide assistance.
- There is not a home delivery service available from the store.
