7 replies to this topic

[Lucydog]

Well after 2 1/2 years I am back in the workplace with a new job. To say Im really pleased and excited is an understatement! Shocked more like it as I never even thought I was in with a chance. Im going to be working as Access Officer for one of the councils in the Lake District. I get to trundle about, visit lots of tourist attractions over the summer, and moan about disabled access. I may even get to prosecute a few people if they fail to comply!!! Now I have my own thoughts about access, but Id be very interested in any comments anyone would like to make in this area.

As well as this I have to visit towns and do general reports. One of the towns is Alston in Cumbria. Anyone ever been there? Well its a beautiful market town set up in the north Pennines. Set on a 60 degree hill it is utterley inaccessible for anyone with the slightest mobility problem let alone wheelchair users! I have already pointed out to my new boss that I'll be sitting in the car while he does the legwork. He thinks Im kidding!!!! ... NOT!!!

Anyway wish me luck and slap me on the back!!! I think Im going to need it!

Cheers

Luce

[kanga2433]

Good luck, Lucy. I hope you manage to get something sorted out with access!

I know the problems of towns such as Alston. I have found towns like it round the country and have had the family all pushing together to climb main streets.

As for what access people would like, well the thing I missed most after find myself shackled to a wheelchair was the difficulty of getting into the countryside and especially woods. I would love to see more accessible paths in the Lakes so one can get away from the roads and into the countryside itself to hear the birds and insects, smell the varied smells, (oh, and get bitten by things too I expect! )

Sounds like you have a long drive to start work too. How far?

[Lucydog]

Its not too far, about 40 miles over the Pennines. really fabulous drive I must say. I really miss the countryside a lot as I used to be very 'out and about', I dont want to spend the next 40 years of my life looking at fields from the car. I must recommend everywhere around Hadrians wall though. There has been a real effort to provide wheelchair accessible paths around beauty spots and places around the wall. The leaflets produced by the councils all highlight the wheelchair 'walks' very well. Id say a lot of effort has been made to make it as user friendly as possible. Its not perfect but better than a lot of places.

Ive been considering doing Riding for the disabled as its a great way to see the country. My husband had a blue fit at the idea... 'are you really trying to kill yourself' was his comment!!! Of course being a woman Im working on him, and naturally Ill get my own way eventually!!

[Lucky]

Good luck ... I have a friend (T-10ish) I believe, who has just moved to the lake district and just fishes for Salmon all day now. He'll be glad you're there.
All the best Lucydog.

[Scotsgal]

Good luck in your new and worthwhile job, Lucydog !!

[kanga2433]

Yes, Hadrian's Wall is very good. I acted as driver / cook for some walkers along the Wall last year and was very impressed with the bits I could roll along and the way the forts had been laid out for access. I reccommend the area as somewhere really interesting to go.

[lynne]

Best of luck in your new job. It sounds very interesting with loads of fresh air. Enjoy. That part of the world is absolutely fabulous. It is constanting changing with each season. I have been there quite a lot. I have an old school friend who lives in Ulverston - I am overdue a visit.

Lynne

[Jilly]

lucy that sounds like a COOL job!!

how perfect and sensible to have a disabled person as an access officer!!
I wish you all the best!