Issue - meetings

To deal with any questions on notice from Members of the Council, in the order in which they have been received.

One question on notice was taken.

Question submitted by Councillor P. M. McDonald to the Chairman

"Would the Chairman agree with me that failing to provide facilities and assistance to those with disabilities at this year’s Bonfire Event has brought the Council into disrepute and failed to meet the requirements of the DDA?"

The Chairman referred the question to Councillor G. N. Denaro as the relevant Portfolio Holder to respond.

Councillor Denaro replied that the reason that access was not available at the main entrance (to Sanders Park) was that the road was closed as a result of a risk assessment carried out into wider public safety. This was carried out by the Council and the police and deemed to be necessary in view of the nature of the event. All of these processes were governed in very clear and robust legal duties and related to public safety and he confirmed that these duties had been met. The Council and its officers had worked tirelessly with the disabled community to ensure that service delivery was inclusive and that community had been involved for some considerable time in the decision-making process. Where issues of accessibility were brought to the Council’s attention, it was always a priority to respond and ensure that improvements could be made. The Equality Officer had obtained the contact details of the customer concerned and this direct contact had revealed that the situation was not entirely as had been reported in the press. The customer now understood the reasons for the road closure and the measures in place to support customers with disabilities. The customer also understood the wider safety issues and the balance that needed to be struck to ensure safety for all. The customer had also been pleased to learn of all the other positive areas that existed within the authority to support people with disabilities. The Council had not failed to meet its statutory duties and he hoped this had been properly explained.

Councillor McDonald asked a supplementary question as to why when tickets were sold in conjunction with the Primrose Hospice in the High Street, the answer given to questions asked by residents with regard to facilities for those with disabilities, was that was there would be no facilities whatsoever.

Councillor Denaro replied that he would need to consult with the Leisure Department as he did not know if this was true or not and he would report back to Councillor McDonald.