Access Statement - Newlands Holidays, Charmouth, Dorset, UK

Access Statement

The purpose of this statement is to describe the standards of access at Newlands and in the local area.

Newlands is in the ‘Heritage Coast’ village of Charmouth. The area is one of outstanding natural beauty with historic towns, beaches, a unique coastline and many places of interest.

The Park is set on a substantial hillside. It provides level pitches (mostly terraced) for tents and touring vans, some with hard standing, electric hook-ups, plenty of water points, sinks for washing up and food preparation, excellent showers, toilet facilities and laundry with washing machine and tumble dryer. All pitches have adjacent parking space.

There is a wide choice of modern caravans for hire. They are comfortable, well equipped and some are centrally heated. They are all placed in an attractive setting. En suite motel rooms, apartments and luxury pine lodges complete the range of accommodation. Only the apartments A14 and A22 are accessible without steps.

Facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, bar, club and lounge, Seagull Take-Away, Mini Market, Euro Bowl, Children’s Playground, Entertainment and Kid’s Club - all on ground level. The changing rooms to the indoor pool and the Jacuzzi are accessed by two steps. The Heritage Restaurant is accessed by one step.

The Park entrance is very well signposted with a wide entrance and large drop off and parking area near reception though this area is on a slope. There are no parking bays allocated specifically for disabled people but there is room to set down near reception.

Reception is on ground level with double doors and a ramp for wheelchairs. The bar, lounge and indoor swimming pool are entered via more double doors and are on the same level. There are no automatic doors on site.

The toilets in the main complex are accessed via stairs (11 steps). There is a separate toilet block at ground level about 50 yards away, outside and across the road from the main building.

All roads within the park have quite substantial speed bumps, which are a safety feature for this Family Park. Advice and directions for tourers will be provided at Reception and Park Wardens are available to give further advice and assistance if requested.

Although pitches are level, the site itself is on a slope and is difficult for people with mobility problems to negotiate on foot.

Tourers. The site is on a substantial slope but pitches are level and mostly with electric and some with water hook ups. We can usually assist with siting and setting up. The same applies to tents.

Caravans. Caravans are accessed via steps. None of them are equipped specifically for people with disabilities.

Pine lodges. The luxury pine lodges are accessed via 3 steps. They are then on a single level with normal sized doors and ordinary toilets and showers.

Apartments. The apartments are situated in two places; some are poolside and accessed by one step, others are in a separate apartment block some way from the main building. Two of these (A14 and A22) are accessed at ground level without steps but with a ramp. All but A14 have ordinary doors, toilets and showers.

A14 has a wider front door and wider bathroom door. There is a 6 inch step leading to the shower, which has grab rails and seat. There is a raised toilet seat kept in this apartment. The toilet also has grab rails. The double bed is in the main room and is 24” high, 54” wide and 76” long with 8 castors on the bottom. There is a separate bedroom with twin beds - the space between these beds is very limited. The twin bed sizes in A14 are 1. Height 22”, width 32” and length 75”. 2. Height 19”, width 31” and width 66”.

At each annual review we will consider what further improvements can be made for mobility impaired customers.

Assistance dogs are welcome in specially allocated units

Customers with Learning Disabilities

Customers with learning disabilities are welcome. If the disabilities are severe, someone who can provide an appropriate level of assistance must accompany the customer.

We will not make generalisations or assumptions about what people with learning difficulties can do or understand.

We will use straightforward language, allow time for a response and be understanding and positive.

At each annual review we will consider what more can be done for customers with learning difficulties.

Park Design

We will take account of: The Building Regulations Approved Document 1984, Disability Discrimination Act - codes of Practice, British Standard BS 8300, The National Accessibility Scheme and advice from RNIB.

Public transport. Buses run from the park entrance to and from Weymouth/ Axminster and Bournemouth/ Exeter.

Delivery of provisions. There is a small mini market on site.

Toilets. Both toilet blocks have disabled toilets and shower. Shower stools and raised toilet seats are available from reception for a nominal deposit.

Assistance dogs. Assistance dogs are welcome in specially allocated units.

Mobile Phone network. Most networks provide good reception in the area.

Wheelchair hire. Wheelchair hire is available from Scootermart Mobility Centres. Call 01308 459000. Delivery to the park is free.

Staff training. While staff are not specifically trained to deal with people with disabilities they will be as courteous and helpful as possible - as they would be with any other customer.

Rex Ireland June 2004. Revised June 2005. Revised September 2006