Broken lift at Greenstead Library causing blue badge issues

A Colchester resident was left “horrified” to find out the lift at Greenstead Library was out of action when they took a family member for a blue badge assessment.

They say they were told there was a lift after contacting Essex County Council to query the building’s accessibility but learned on arrival the lift hadn’t been working for “four or five months”.

The resident, who did not wish to be named, was forced to use the stairs to access their assessment despite their family member’s disability.

Scheme - blue badge holders can park closer to their destination because they aren’t able to walk as far or use public transport (Image: Unsplash)

'Unacceptable'

They said: “Upon arrival and after a long walk from the public car park I was horrified to see the lift was out of order.

“After inquiring as to how long this had been for, I was told it was four or five months. So why are they continuing to use this building for the most vulnerable of adults who are trying to obtain a blue badge for the very nature of their disability?

“The staircase consists of 20 steps and I believe this is very dangerous in the circumstances. The whole situation is unacceptable.”

They added they regularly use Prettygate Library which has car parking, a working lift, and a downstairs private office where they were helped to complete the application form for a blue badge last year.

Alternative - Prettygate Library elsewhere in the city

The frustrated resident has written to Will Quince, the MP for Colchester, urging him to press the county council, which is responsible for libraries and blue badge applications, to act.

Blue badge holders can park closer to their destination because they aren’t able to walk as far or use public transport.

People who do not automatically qualify may be asked to attend an in-person assessment by a qualified physiotherapist or occupational therapist.

What does Essex County Council say?

A spokesman for Essex County Council said the venues it uses for assessments have been deemed suitable.

He said: “Applicants are offered appointments at the venue closest to their home address and are made aware at the time of the facilities available at this location. If the applicant has any concerns, alternative venues can be discussed.

“When booking an appointment at Greenstead Library, applicants are made aware the lift is currently unavailable. They are then given the choice of booking an alternative venue, or remaining on a waiting list to be assessed at Greenstead once the lift is available again.

“If the individual was not informed the lift was unavailable in this instance, we would apologise for this oversight. This will be investigated further with the booking team.”

He added the council has been aware of the issue with the lift since November and it is set to be fixed in the next few days after “regular contact” with contractors.