New safe accessible footpath at B&M store near Whaley Bridge - 2019.  

A member of the Access Group had visited the newly built store in Whaley Bridge with a wheelchair user. They found that it was impossible for wheelchair users to go on a safe pedestrian route from the bus stop which is located adjacent to Tesco, to the B&M store, because of the lack of dropped kerbs, and pathways which are too steep.

There is not a problem if you are able to enter the site using a car. The only footpath created was too steep for wheelchair use and had a raised kerb at either end. After inspecting and taking photos on site, we raised the issue with High Peak Borough Council, who then took enforcement action to make B&M comply with the original drawings which made provision for a pavement with a dropped kerb along the road frontage to the site. 

After consultation with the store owners over the access, they provided a new ramped access onto the site with dropped kerbs and tactile paving at the roadside.

Below - Original steep path with kerbs at both ends

New accessible path: