22/08/03 - New ramp for Askam Library

A new ramp is being installed at Askam Library next month to make it more accessible to some disabled users and pushchairs.   

The work, which will involve building an external ramp leading to the newly repositioned front door, will involve closing the library for a week from Monday 1st September to Friday 5th September.   

This is the last phase of a programme of work to make the library comply with the Disability Discrimination Act. Other improvements, which have already been carried out, have included relocating the main door from the front to the side of the porch, removing the steps up to the door and widening an interior door.   

Councillor Tim Heslop, County Council spokesman for libraries and culture, said: 

"This work which has already been completed has greatly improved facilities at the library for many disabled people and parents with pushchairs. This last improvement will complete the project. The library did have to close for a short period in June and July and I would like to apologise for this further inconvenience of having to close it again. It was not possible to complete the whole project at that time due to a technical difficulty. I would ask that local people bear with us and hope they will agree that the end result will be well worth it. Library users can borrow extra books during the closure to minimise any inconvenience."