A new scheme is seeking to make Congleton more accessible.

Congleton Town Council has launched its Disability Welcome Scheme.

It aims to encourage businesses to become more accessible, while helping disabled people to shop and visit local pubs and cafes.

Dr Deborah Lawson, chair of Congleton's Equal Access Advisory Group, said: "According to the DWP, 24% of people in the UK are disabled, and these people, and those shopping alongside them, have the right to access shops, cafés, and other businesses just like anyone else.

"Many of the measures in the checklist are simple but make a huge difference, such as providing large-print pricing, keeping aisles clear for wheelchair users, providing a temporary ramp, or ensuring staff know how to assist someone who lip-reads.

"The combined spending power of households with at least one disabled person (known as the Purple Pound) is worth approximately £274 billion per year to the UK economy, so when businesses take these steps, they not only improve accessibility but also become more welcoming to a wider customer base, which benefits everyone."

Leaflets are being distributed to local businesses (Credit: CTC)

The council worked with its Equal Access Advisory Group to conduct a survey that found 87 per cent of disabled respondents had accessibility challenges in the town centre.

Additionally, more than 50 per cent said that businesses were 'not well informed' about the needs and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

Based on this , together with best practices from disability charities and organisations, the town council has created a checklist of accessibility measures that businesses can undertake to help disabled people access their products and services.

 If Congleton businesses can tick off enough items on the list, they will be awarded a 'Disability Welcome' window sticker and certificate, and be included in a planned Disability Guide to Congleton. 

Councillor Kay Wesley, Congleton Town Mayor, said: "Many thanks to the Equal Access Group for providing the expertise to inform this initiative. So far we've dropped many of our Disability Welcome leaflets off in town centre shops, and the reception has been really positive.

"Of course, there are challenges with some of these old buildings; it can be difficult to deal with steps and narrow shop spaces, but even so, for most things there is a workaround.

"Detachable ramps are inexpensive, as is a bell to ring to request assistance. Many of the shop owners felt the list was very useful and they intend to tick it off and return it to us to get their window sticker. Thank you to everyone for your enthusiasm so far."

Town Mayor Kay Wesley (Credit: CTC)

The list is being distributed as a leaflet, is available at the Congleton Information Centre in the Town Hall, and can be downloaded from the Town Council's website.

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