30 October 2007

The Mayor of Guildford has recognised businesses and individuals in the borough who go the extra mile to make their premises accessible to all at the annual Awards for Access.

The Access Group for Guildford organised the ceremony to acknowledge those who help people with disabilities go about their daily lives more easily, by improving access to information as well as physical access to buildings.

Chairman of the Access Group, Robin Helby explains: "The awards aim to improve access across the borough. Many people are not aware of the difficulties people with disabilities can face everyday when trying to access a building that only has steps or reading a leaflet in small print. We recognise the efforts that local individuals and businesses make to improve the quality of life for members of our community. We hope the awards will encourage others to take similar steps to help everyone enjoy the amenities that Guildford has to offer."

The winners of the Awards for Access for 2007 are:

Sport and Leisure

• Guildford YMCA for its conference and exhibition facilities
• Waterside Centre for its general facilities for the disabled

Community Care and Health

• Cherry Trees for its Play area and Sensory Room
• Chase Children’s Hospice for its overall access and care
• Austen Road Surgery for its overall access and care

Eating out

• Café at Marks and Spencer for its general access and care

Retail

• Lakeland Store (Swan Lane) for overall service from staff and
  access facilities.

The Access Group can help advise on designing an accessible environment. For more information contact Robin Helby, Chairman, on 01483 893259.

PR and Marketing
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB

Tel: 01483 444328
Email: pr@guildford.gov.uk