Notice on Tarbet East Loch Harbour wheelchair accessible toilet facility door.

[davidpbo]

Acceptable after 16 months or not?

TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2020

NOTICE FROM TARBERT HARBOUR AUTHORITY (THA)

AS FROM TODAY AND UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE THIS DISABLED FACILITY IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. PLEASE USE EITHER THE LADIES OR GENTS AS APPROPRIATE.

And apparently still in force. I was told that a key could be obtained from the office (In working hours). The door was not as far as I know fitted with a Radar lock.

I accept the fact that not all users of wheelchair accessible toilets aren't able to walk or transfer, but if you are not able to walk a few steps you cannot use a normal cubicle. What are you supposed to do?

In fact the facilities within the wheelchair accessible toilet are very good I am told by my wife who happened to be there when they were being inspected last year, with hoist, changing table etc. It upset her as we well remember the difficulties taking her very ill sister anywhere and I well remember my reaction to similar facilities at Fell Foot on Windermere.

On one of the nights we were there there was someone who had had both legs amputated having a nice time on the jetty with his young family, where was he supposed to go? The following day there was a lady obviously mobility impaired.

The shower block will almost certainly have been grant aided and I suspect that much will have been made of the inclusive facilities to be provided.

If the main shower block and toilets are open to harbour users so should the wheelchair accessible facilities be.

 

[penfold]

No excuse to not have a radar lock on such a facility.

 

[[3889]]

Not acceptable, or legal, but has anyone challenged the marina? If no one does then things will continue as they are.

 

[davidpbo]

No, I just rant on Scuttlebut. ?
The matter was mentioned to reception politely but firmly and I hope will be relayed appropriately.

I also hope others visiting will comment on it to them as well.

 

[Scotsailor]

It doesn’t sound as if Scotland is suiting you … I understand. Horrible weather. No phone signal either

 

[davidpbo]

It doesn’t sound as if Scotland is suiting you … I understand. Horrible weather. No phone signal either

I am sorry to give that impression. You forgot about the depth sounder problems over deep water ?.

We are having a lovely time, but not sailing very much due to no wind.

The absence of data signal is not a problem but hopefully one more voice bringing it to O2's attention might mean provision gets considered on the next upgrade.

With regards to access to wheelchair accessible facilities in a marina that is not a problem to me as I am fortunate enough to currently have full use of my limbs. Many don't and to tell them to grow wings and use facilities intended for able bodied people is not appropriate.

 

[JumbleDuck]

If the main shower block and toilets are open to harbour users so should the wheelchair accessible facilities be.

Are there accessible cubicles/showers in the main blocks as well as in the specialised one?

 

[Scotsailor]

I have always found the staff at Tarbert very helpful and amenable. I don’t know the reasons for the notice. But I do know that, in common with other businesses in the area, they are particularly vigilant about combatting this virus. My guess is that the collect the key policy is so that the facilities can be sanitised between users. … I find it hard to believe that they are not allowing disabled sailors to use the facilities.

 

[davidpbo]

Are there accessible cubicles/showers in the main blocks as well as in the specialised one?

No, I wouldn't be moaning if there was. Cubicles not wide enough, no bars etc.

 

[davidpbo]

I have always found the staff at Tarbert very helpful and amenable. I don’t know the reasons for the notice. But I do know that, in common with other businesses in the area, they are particularly vigilant about combatting this virus. My guess is that the collect the key policy is so that the facilities can be sanitised between users. … I find it hard to believe that they are not allowing disabled sailors to use the facilities.

No message on the door about being able to collect key. Office in a separate adjacent block which means a user has to go down one ramp towards the town, cross back in front of the buildings and go up another ramp to the office. Yes I agree the staff are very good there.

 

[michael_w]

Am I the only one appalled at the closure of a facility for people who have enough problems without some jobsworth making life even more difficult. Shame on the Harbour master.

 

[JumbleDuck]

No, I wouldn't be moaning if there was. Cubicles not wide enough, no bars etc.

Then they have behaved appallingly and need to explain themselves or be taken to the cleaners.

 

[davidpbo]

Are there accessible cubicles/showers in the main blocks as well as in the specialised one?

I am pleased to say the sign has now been changed to say a code is available from the office. With regard to out of hours, apparently the harbour number can be phoned for the code.

16 months on from the start of the pandemic it should have been reviewed and I hope other clubs and facilities who instigated similar restrictions at the beginning of the pandemic have reviewed them ir will do so in the very near future.

 

[JumbleDuck]

I am pleased to say the sign has now been changed to say a code is available from the office. With regard to out of hours, apparently the harbour number can be phoned for the code.

Four hours after I tweeted them about it! Not that there is necessarily any link.