Challenging charging
2
2
Date of visit: March 2026
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Poor
The EV charging at this location is particularly challenging due to the decision to protect the charging unit at the expense of easy access to it.
Disabled Access In and Around
Poor
The first charger, the only one that provides rapid charging, was broken when I visited. It has a low barrier in front and is raised up on a kerb and set amongst stones, which all but assures mobility aid users cannot easily use it. Cables are provided for this charger. The two further chargers are much the same except they have a single bollard in front, again creating an obstacle to use. Cables are not provided for these chargers. On all of the machines the card reader is placed quite high up. Navigtation around the car park is clear, and the charging facilities are easy to find as they are located near the only section of green bays. Please note that all bays are no wider than a standard parking space. Ultimately it is a poor offering for a popular shopping location.
Accessible facilities: Step-free entrance
Parking & Transport
Poor
I travelled to this place by personal vehicle
Located at the Easi car park on the outside of the M&S Foodhall, there are five EV charging bays with three charging units. The rapid charge device was out of order when I visited. The two remaining units provide 7 kW Type 2 charging. The car park has a good number of accessible parking spaces and is close to the bus station.
Accessible facilities: Electric Vehicle Charging, Dedicated on-site parking
Accessible Toilets
There are accessible toilets and a Changing Places toilet inside the shopping centre.
