Coinciding with the release of the Government’s National Disability Strategy, Aldenham Parish Council have drawn together a new working party appropriately named, ‘Access for All’. This working party is a first for the Parish Council where it comes to addressing the many aspects of our local environment, from high street walkways to parks and open spaces, which could and should be more accessible for people of all ages with any level of disability – visible and otherwise.

Aldenham Parish Council’s Access For All Working Party is committed to our community becoming a positive example of inclusion.

Starting in 2022, we want to identify all ways we can put inclusion at the heart of activity, environment and daily life. 

If you are disabled or have a medical condition, are a carer, have someone in your family living with the challenges of disability or age related issues such as dementia, or want to drive equality in our community for any reason – the Access For All Working Party would love to hear from you. 

Please contact Cllr Clare Diskin   

Cllr.Clare.Diskin@aldenham-pc.gov.uk

Aldenham Parish Council (APC) as part of its links to the community are aware that as leaders of the local communities of Radlett, Aldenham, Letchmore Heath and other small villages within the civic parish of Aldenham, it should use whatever influence it has to improve the lives of all its residents.  

To this end it has formed a working party to investigate matters independently, which can then be discussed by the full council and then become policy.

Aldenham Parish Council’s ‘100 year celebration for Phillimore Recreation Ground’ in September 2021 provided the ideal opportunity for us to demonstrate progress. Not only was on site disabled parking provided, but there was also emphasis on adequate disabled toilets, sensitive spacing between stalls and activities, and even a special sensory zone provided by Mencap Hertsmere group, Noah’s Ark. In this special gazebo, people who need a quieter space were able to enjoy a little time out to sit down, undertake some simple craft-making and benefit from the kindness of Mencap volunteers who have vast experience of working with people with physical disabilities, sensory processing disorders, Autism and a range of neurodiverse conditions.

In November 2021, Access for All Working Party had an opportunity to progress further and have made the Winter Fair a more accessible event.

For those who needed access and support, the following were provided:

• Fast track ticket access for those who find queuing challenging, a quiet space for those who may need time away from crowds or noise (please ask a member of staff at the box office for direction).
• Disabled parking (BLUE BADGE HOLDERS ONLY) in the Red House Surgery car park.
• The event indoors was fully accessible for wheelchair users.

Events, such as the summertime festivities at Phillimore Recreation Ground, plans for the new cafe at the Recreation Ground and communications to mark major moments for disability awareness, have all seen influence from this growing and increasingly diverse working party. The Access for All Working Party has commissioned an access audit which is expected in the coming months. This audit will focus on key areas of footfall in the village centre, and make suggestions to help the whole community access the village on an equal basis. We look forward to updating you all on the audit’s observations and subsequent plans.

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